Renewable sources of energy

Due to the rising environmental crisis of global warming, researchers have been searching for alternative energy sources and architects designing energy efficient houses that will save the earth. In recent years, different forms of energy have been used and people have become more aware of how much energy they use. However, there are many people still using too much energy and building inefficient houses.

Energy has different forms, for example atomic energy (nuclear energy), chemical energy, electrical energy, heat energy, light energy, mechanical energy, and radiation energy (including solar radiation).

Due to our overuse of non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal for electricity, the temperature of the earth is believed to have increased and some scientists think this may lead to climate changes and widespread flooding of low-lying areas as the increased temperature causes the sea to expand.

So, we should try to decrease energy use, and to change to renewable sources of energy, such as the sun and build houses that are energy efficient.

(Click on Task)

-You must complete this webquest INDIVIDUALLY, though you can work, collaborate in PAIRS in order to search and obtain the information required. 

 Now click the Process tab and follow the directions...

1. You are now going to complete the research and answer the questions below (please create a bibliography for the websites you use). 

a. What is energy? (No more than 1 paragraph)

b. What are renewable energy resources? Give three examples

c. What are non-renewable energy resources? Give two examples.

d. What is solar energy?

e. What is a solar oven? Why would someone use this? How do you make one? 

https://www.homesciencetools.com/a/build-a-solar-oven-project

f. Name two main ways of using solar energy to produce electricity

You can check the links below to help you... you may also have to do some of your own research.

http://www.alliantenergykids.com/EnergyandTheEnvironment/RenewableEnergy/022400

http://www.eschooltoday.com/energy/renewable-energy/solar-energy.html

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/renewable-electricity/7295

2. Greenhouse Effect

Read about the greenhouse effect and write down the 6 steps in which it consists of.  Draw your own diagram with labels.

Use the following website to help:

http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/climate-science/greenhouse-effect

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VYMjSule0Bw

3. Energy Efficient Homes 

a. List 3 ways in which you can protect your home from escaping heat in the winter and 3 ways from too much heat coming in during the summer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa_pre_2011/energy/heatrev3.shtml

4. Read the following question, do some research and give your opinion.

Is Global Warming real? Is it something we should worry about now? Is our lifestyle/the way we live, sustainable?