Notes for the Unit
The Conservation & Transfer of Energy
In this lab, you will learn about a fundamental science law: the conservation of energy. You will also explore how energy can change form from one type of energy to another. Lastly, as an extension to the lab, you must research the energy efficiency of various "machines", including the human body. We will have a class discussion on energy efficiency and why energy transformations are not very efficient.
Fracking for Natural Gas
Coal Mining: What, Where, Why, & How
You have all probably swam in a strip mine lake. Heck, some of you may even have your own! But, what is a strip mine lake, and why are there so many in West-Central Illinois? In this portion of the unit, you will learn about coal, and why it is so valuable to our daily lives. We will also explore first-hand what it is like to mine for coal in a "ding-dong" lab and of course what consequences and complications can arise as a result. You will also explore why coal is not considered to be a "clean" source of energy and how this is being argued by scientists today.
Fossil Fuel Lab Rotation
After learning background information on fossil fuels, you will complete 3 lab rotations to explore the topic at a deeper and more specific level. In one rotation, you will model how natural gas is derived from organic (living) matter. This lab can be set up on the first day, but you must collect data for multiple days in order to get accurate results. Another rotation consists of mining for coal using snack cakes as described above. You will be practicing your measurement and graphical representation skills in this lab. The last lab rotation deals with cleaning up an oil spill in the ocean. You will enhance your research skills in this hands-on inquiry lab, and you will be making claims and supporting them with evidence (your oil spill clean up results).
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Nuclear Energy & Electricity
Nuclear Energy Questions:
Complete on a sheet of paper. Use the links in this section to answer the following questions, which will be graded.
Complete on a sheet of paper. Use the links in this section to answer the following questions, which will be graded.
- What is the closest power plant to EHS? How many miles away is it?
- How does this close proximity make you feel? Why?
- What is thermal pollution and what are some causes of this type of pollution?
- How can thermal pollution affect living organisms?
- What is the relationships between nuclear power plants and thermal pollution?
- What is the point of a coolant in a nuclear power plant?
- Describe the nuclear power plant's containment shield.
- What is the most common radioactive isotope used in nuclear power plants?
- How do we harness nuclear energy? (look under the steam & turbine generator section)
- What does/can nuclear power generate for us?
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Renewable Resources
Solar |
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/us-brownfields-solar-energy-vin
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Biomass10% Rule
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