Roberta A. Mazzucco
There are two kinds of energy sources: renewable and nonrenewable. Nonrenewable includes any energy source that we cannot make more of in a short time. Most non- renewable sources of energy come from within the earth. They include things like oil, gas, coal, and nuclear. Right now our world is powered by mostly nonrenewable energy sources like oil, gas and coal. The fact that there are limited amounts of these fuels makes our energy future uncertain. In order to solve our energy concerns, we are working on ways to utilize the renewable sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy are those that are those whose supply can be easily replaced.
Most nonrenewable fuels like coal, oil and gas were formed over millions of years within the earth. As the sun heated the earth, plant life grew and died. The continual addition of plant and animal remains were buried and over time were covered with layers of dirt. A similar cycle began in the oceans where sea creatures and plankton died and were eventually covered by sand and mud. Heat and pressure over millions of years led to the formation of these so-called fossil fuels.
Throughout the ages the fossil fuel of choice has varied due to economic and technological discoveries. At first, the most popular fuel was wood. It wasn't until much later that people discovered the potential energy use for coal, and oil. Over time these fossil fuels became the primary source of energy used especially in industrialized countries. As more and more land was cleared, people realized that the deforestation of many areas of the earth is a serious concern. Now we also see similar problems arising from our use of fossil fuels. Even though supplies are projected to last for centuries, the immediate concern for us is the impact of fossil fuel use is having on our environment. We must not only look for the energy sources of the future but utilize what we have in the most efficient manner. Some of the current methods that are now being considered include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower.
The unit will begin by having students find some information about our current energy situation. How much oil, coal, and gas do we use? How much of a supply is left in the world? and, Where are these supplies located?
Activity 1: What is the status of our Energy Supply?
Gathering some information about the status of our energy supplies will help students to construct a picture of the current situation. It will require them to do some very simple research, and give them a foundation to begin the unit. This information will also help the class organize their understanding of the problem. I have searched a few resources and found the most current and practical data for my students' use were on the Energy Kids U.S Energy Information.
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Their information was based on 2008 statistics and it was difficult to find anything more current. This web site is designed for students and the information is clearly presented. Depending on the class, and your access to technology, it may, or may not, be feasible to have students gather this information for themselves. It may be best to have students view some web sites to gather a few bits of information, but also have ready some statistics on a class chart or hand out.
A look at the locations of the world's top energy supplies will soon have students politically engaged.
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Students will discover that we do not have access to all the nonrenewable energy that remains. Looking at the location of the nonrenewable energy resources
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one is immediately aware that the United States does not have a significant amount of the reserves within its borders. Therefore, we do not control our energy future. We cannot just take whatever fuel sources we need. Pointing out the huge resources in the Middle East will make it obvious even to young students that we need these countries' friendship in order to maintain our supply of energy. Therefore, we might consider how conservation can help us to use less of the nonrenewable energy sources than we presently do. It is crucial that we have enough energy resources to power our country, while we try to catch up and perfect some of these new renewable energy sources. Students must see that our growing need for energy will make it necessary for us to find other ways to provide energy.