Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School

Science 6th Grade

Solar Energy and Alternative Energy

Introduction

We know that our energy resources are running out. Oil and gas supplies will not last through the next 20 years. We need to use different kinds (alternative energy) of energy resources – solar energy is one of them. There are several other kinds which have been researched and now are becoming more reliable (work well).

The Task

You will be researching solar energy – what is it and how it works. Then you will select another “alternative energy” resource and explain how that works. Finally you will compare them and decide which one you think is better.

The Process

1. Save Solar Energy PowerPoint Template – file name LastNameSolar
2. Look up the definition of Solar Energy in either Britannica or World Book Online and rewrite it into your own words.
3. Cite your source at the bottom of the slide
4. Using your choice of the links in the Resource Section, find out how solar energy is used to make electricity - make 1 or more slides to explain it
5. Using your choice of the links in the Resource Section, find out how another “Alternative Energy” resource is used to make electricity - make 1 or more slides to explain it
6. Make a comparison slide – on one side write why solar energy is a good choice and on the other side, write why your other alternative energy source is a good choice.
7. Make a comparison slide – on one side write why solar energy is NOT a good choice and on the other side, write why your other alternative energy source is NOT a good choice.
8. The last slide is where you say which one you think is better and WHY you think that.

Resources

Britannica

WorldBook

Alternative Energy Resources

http://www.weenergies.com/educators/renew/renew_pres/we_renewables.swf

http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/renew/renew.htm

http://www.windpower.org/en/kids/intro/introtow.htm (wind power)

http://www.fwee.org/walktour/ (hydroelectric)

http://www.powerscorecard.org/technologies.cfm

Evaluation

Criteria/Points	1	2	3
Responses to Questions	1-2 correct answers	3-4 correct answers	All answers are correct
Followed Computer Lab and Library Respect Expectations	Had to be reminded more than twice	Complied with expectations	Displayed Exemplary Behavior

Conclusion

Solar energy is a great, clean resource. But you have learned that it isn’t perfect. There are other resources that in some places are better. We need to use all of them to solve our energy problem.

Credits

This page was created by Mrs. Swarr, LMS, Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School, 2009