10-15-12

WEDNESDAY: We will be in Room K-1 below the main office.  Do not go to C12!

Bellwork — Type 1: What is this image saying about different energy sources?  What is the impact of global vs. local?

Today we will focus on alternative forms of energy and their environmental impact. Be sure to follow all directions!

The Task

Your task is to research and determine which of the four sources of alternative energy (Hydroelectric, Solar, Wind and Biomass) power plant you believe would be the most feasible in Kalamazoo County and to prepare a report for the Commission.  Your report may be in written in poster format, or Powerpoint but you must answer all parts of the study to receive credit. You will give us what you have complete at the end of the hour — this does not mean you are done.  You need to complete the assignment for your grade, this will just prove to us you worked on the assignment in class.

The Process ***

Step 1 :	Write a brief summary of the four proposed types of alternative energy.  Include at least 2 pros and cons for each type.	20 pts
Step 2:	Identify, in paragraph form, which of the four you feel is the most appropriate for Kalamazoo County and why.	10 pts
Step 3:	Propose a location for the plant.  Include the reasons why you feel this is an appropriate location and include maps for reference.	10 pts
Step 4:	Identify the chemical or physical changes involved in the energy production of your plant (trace how energy is transferred from one form to another).  Visuals highly encouraged.	10 pts
Step 5:	Answer one of  the Critical Thinking Questions on the Conclusion Page in a minimum of 1 page.	Extra Credit(10pts)
	*** Site all references!!! Do not directly copy and paste, or copy and past with a word change!

Resources (to get started)

General Renewable Energy Sources Sites		Hydroelectric
	US Department of Energy – Green		Power Matters: Hydroelectric Power
	US Department of Energy		USGS Hydroelectric
	Renewable Energy World		Facts About Hydropower
	Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources		NREL – Hydroelectric Power
	Energy Topics A to Z		Hydroelectric Power
	Learning about Renewable Energy
Solar		Biomass
	US Department of Energy – Solar		American Bioenergy Association
	Solar Energy International		Waste-to-Energy Plants
	Solar Electric Power Association		American Ref-fuel
	American Solar Energy Society		Biomass Energy Research Association
	Solar Energy Industries Association		National Biofuels Program
Wind Energy			Barlow Projects: Waste to Energy Solutions
	Wind Technology
	National Wind Technology Center
	Wind Power Monthly News Magazine
	Wind Power in Iowa
	Guided Tour on Wind Energy
Conclusion – Critical Thinking Questions Choose one of the following questions. 1. Do you think that the United States should invest in one/several renewable, alternative  energy sources?  Why or why not? 2. If the United States did develop an efficient alternative energy source, how do you think that it would effect the governments interest in the conflicts of the Middle East?

***	All references must be cited.

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