Download Lesson 3.2 Sustainable Energy

Lesson 3.2 Sustainable Energy
Understandings
1. There are events and issues that challenge us to use energy wisely and to
develop alternate forms of energy, including economic and population growth,
natural disasters, and conflicts with countries that provide the United States with
oil.
2. Fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by using
innovative means to implement renewable and inexhaustible energy sources.
3. Energy sources can be used to produce electricity and hydrogen, energy
carriers that provide the greatest diversity and lowest impact on the
environment.
4. Decisions regarding the implementation of alternative energy sources involve
the weighing of tradeoffs between predicted positive and negative effects on the
environment and financial burden.
5. Careers in sustainable engineering will be created because our planet needs
environmentally sustainable solutions to support population growth and preserve
our limited natural resources.
Knowledge and Skills
It is expected that students will:
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Graph data that represents energy consumption, energy imports, and energy
production.
Recognize that alternative energies are not always available in every location.
Recognize that the solution to our energy needs now and in the future will
include conservation and wise use of resources as well as a wide variety of
sources.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of STEM careers that help solve
environmental problems.
Identify alternative forms of energy, explain why they are alternative, and
identify the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Identify challenges in transferring alternative energies from where they are
produced to where they are consumed.
Research an alternative energy solution used for a specific purpose that will
reduce the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels.
Essential Questions
1. How do power plants make electricity?
2. Which type of renewable energy is currently most relied on in the United States?
3. How do cars run on cow manure?
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PLTW Gateway – Energy and the Environment Lesson 3.2 Sustainable Energy – Page 1
4. What is the difference between alternative energy sources and renewable energy
sources?
5. What factors are challenging governments to meet energy needs in the future?
6. What is a smart grid and how will it affect our lives in the future?
Key Terms
Active Solar System A solar energy collection system that uses electrical or
mechanical components to heat water or heat and cool
buildings or produce electricity.
Alternative Fuels
Fuels to eventually replace dwindling supplies of fossil fuels,
such as biodiesel and hydrogen.
Battery
A direct current voltage source made up of one or more units
that convert chemical, thermal, nuclear, or solar energy into
electrical energy that can be stored until it is needed.
Electrolysis
Process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by means
of an electric current.
Electromagnetic Field A field of electromagnetic energy produced by electricity flowing
through power lines.
Electron
A negatively charged particle.
Emissions
Substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an
automobile engine)
Energy Carrier
Moves energy in a usable form from one place to another, like
electricity or hydrogen.
Energy Conservation Conserving resources through efficient and prudent use.
Fuel Cell
Device that combines hydrogen, or other fuels, and oxygen and
produces electricity in the process.
Generator
A device used to convert mechanical energy into electrical
energy.
Hydrogen
The first and simplest element on the periodic table. It is one of
the most common elements in the galaxy.
Natural Resources
Naturally occurring materials found within the Earth or its
atmosphere.
Passive Solar System A solar energy collection system that does not require electrical
or mechanical components; can directly heat water or buildings
or reduce solar heat gain or provide lighting.
Power Grid
A system of high-tension cables by which electrical power is
distributed throughout a region.
Power Plant
Any unit that converts some form of energy into electrical
energy, such as a hydroelectric or steam-generating station, a
diesel-electric engine in a vehicle, or a nuclear power plant.
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Smart Grid
Steam Reforming
Sustainable
Engineering
Transformer
Turbine
An electrical power distribution network that can transmit
electricity, including two-way, digital communications between
producers and consumers. A smart grid includes an intelligent
monitoring system that keeps track of all electricity flowing in the
system. It also incorporates the use of superconductive
transmission lines for less power loss, as well as the capability
of integrating alternative sources of electricity such as solar and
wind.
Process in which high-temperature steam separates hydrogen
from carbon atoms in methane (CH4).
Engineering that focuses on the development of a sustainable
future through renewable energy, wise use of natural resources,
recycling, and assessment of environmental impact.
A device used to increase or decrease voltage supplied to a
circuit.
A machine for producing power in which a wheel or rotor is
made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas, or
air.
Instructional Resources
Presentations
Energy Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Energy Carriers
Word Documents
Activity 3.2.1 Why Are We Concerned?
Project 3.2.2 Energy Expo
Project 3.2.2a Energy Expo Summary
Project 3.2.3 Energy For Our Future
Lesson 3.2 Key Terms Crossword
Rubrics and Templates
Gateway Notebook Grading Rubric
Project 3.2.2 Energy Expo Grading Rubric
Project 3.2.3 Energy For Our Future Grading Rubric
Design Brief Template
Decision Matrix Template
Design Process Solution Template
Reference Sources
Baine, C. (2008). Environmental engineering teacher’s guide. Pittsburg, KS:
Pitsco, Inc.
Baine, C. (2008). Sustainable energy engineering. Pittsburg, KS: Pitsco, Inc.
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Energy and the Environment Lesson 3.2 Sustainable Energy – Page 3
Energy Information Administration. (2009). Energy kid’s page. Retrieved April
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Hacker, M., Burghardt, D., Fletcher, L., Gordon, A., Peruzzi, W., Prestopnik,
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NY: Cengage.
Herman, S. L. (2004). Delmar’s standard textbook of electricity. (3rd ed.).
United States: Thomson Delmar Learning.
International Technology Education Association, (2000). Standards for
technological literacy. Reston, VA: ITEA.
Litowitz, L., & Brown, R. (2007) Energy, power and transportation technology.
Tinley Park, IL: The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc.
Minnesota Power. (2009). About electricity. Retrieved April 9, 2009, from
http://www.mnpower.com/about_electricity/
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and International Reading
Association (IRA) (1996). Standards for the English language arts.
Newark, DE: IRA; Urbana, IL: NCTE.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and
standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2009). Learning about renewable
energy. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from
http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_basics.html
National Research Council (NRC). (1996). National science education
standards. Washington, D. C.: National Academy Press.
Rogers, G., Wright, M., &Yates, B. (2010). Gateway to engineering. Clifton
Park: NY: Delmar.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). (2009). Education and safety.
Retrieved April 8, 2009, from http://www.smud.org/en/educationsafety/Pages/index.aspx.
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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