1. What is green energy?
*Distribute the Renewable Energy posters to each student. These slides will guide the discussion for the renewable energies, but all content is included on the back of the poster.

2. Definition There is no one definition for green energy.
What do you think of when you think of green energy? Why?
Lead a discussion on how the students define green energy. Most will only mention renewables. If so, ask students about nuclear and other “cleaner” versions of traditional energy, such as coal.

3. Energy Efficiency What is energy efficiency?
Five Quick Ways to Save Energy:
Turn off lights, computer, and other electrical devices when you are not using them
Replace regular lightbulbs
Don’t leave the refrigerator door open
Take a short shower
Plant a tree
Ask students what they think of when the hear the phrase “energy efficiency” energy not used is the greenest energy of all.
Guide the discussion around using energy wisely. Some practices students can implement right away include:
1) Turn off lights, computers, TV and other electrical stuff when you aren't using it.
2) Replace regular light bulbs with energy saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL's).
3) Don't leave the refrigerator door open.  Cold air escapes and this uses a lot of electricity.
4) Taking a short shower instead of a long bath can help save energy.
5) Plant a tree.  Trees create shade around your house and help keep it cool.
*Tips are from Touchstone Energy’s Kids Zone at:

4. Non-renewable sources
Sources of energy that are fixed within the earth
Abundant, but cannot be replaced
Most energy companies use a combination of non-renewable and renewable sources
Define non-renewable energy sources as those sources of energy that are fixed within the earth. Though many of these sources are abundant, they cannot be replaced. Explain that most companies use a portfolio of renewable and non-renewable sources. It would be helpful to share the combination that your specific company uses.

5. Coal
Advantages of coal: abundant, inexpensive and available within the U.S.
Produces over 50% of electricity
New technologies are making coal “cleaner”
One turns coal into a gas, removing the impurities before it is burned
The other heats the coal to higher temperatures and pressure
Explain that coal is widely used since it is abundant, inexpensive and is available within the U.S., which provides energy security. Right now, coal produces over 50% of the country’s electricity.
The disadvantage of coal is that when it burns, it releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which have a negative impact on the environment.
There are two promising technologies called Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle and Supercritical Coal Combustion. Many people just call these clean coal technologies.
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle turns coal into a gas (called gasification) then removes impurities before it is combusted, resulting in lower emissions and improved efficiency. The gas is burned to produce electricity, then the residual heat passes through a heat recovery steam generator to produce more electricity.
Supercritical Coal Combustion heats the coal until there is no distinction between the liquid and gas stage, which decreases carbon dioxide and other emissions.
*From the National Energy Foundation’s Coal Electrical Generation poster available at

6. Natural Gas
Gaseous, combustible mixture found deep in the earth in between layers of rock
Formed at the same time as oil
Natural gas molecules move into porous areas and escape into the earth’s atmosphere or are trapped by non-porous rock
Drill rigs form wells and natural gas is transported to the plant through an extensive pipe system
Explain the process of how natural gas is formed:
Natural gas was formed millions of years ago when plants and tiny sea animals were buried by sand and rock. Layers of mud, sand, rock, plant and animal matter continued to build up until the pressure and heat from the earth turned them into a tar-like substance called kerogen. As temperatures continued “cooking,” more complex compounds of carbon and hydrogen known as oil were formed. Natural gas is generated at the same time as oil; however, peak generation occurs when oil begins to break down because of high geothermal temperatures.
As natural gas molecules form, they migrate into more porous areas, such as sandstone. They continue to move either to the Earth’s surface—where they escape into the atmosphere, or they are trapped in their path by non-porous rock. In the latter case, the impermeable rock layers cause natural gas accumulation to occur.
Once locations are determined, a drill rig goes through the layers of rock creating a well. Natural gas is delivered to natural gas plants through a network of 600,000 natural gas wells and underground pipe network. Natural gas plants then turn the natural gas into high quality, usable natural gas, removing impurities. The gas is then transported to consumers through an extensive transmission system. Natural gas can also be converted into a liquid format to transport to distant locations.
*From the National Energy Foundation’s Natural Gas poster available at

7. Nuclear
Nuclear energy produces one-third of the electricity in 12 states
As demand for electricity increases, nuclear energy is an environmentally-friendly choice
Nuclear power plants only release steam into the atmosphere
Safety is the top priority
Discuss the role of nuclear energy as a clean source of electricity.
Nuclear energy produces one-third of the electricity in a dozen states. As demand for energy grows, nuclear energy is a growing option.
Nuclear energy comes from atoms. The center of an atom, the nucleus, stores energy. In the nucleus, every proton is repelling every other proton because they are positively charged. Nuclear energy is released from both fission and fusion.
Fission is the splitting of atoms, which produces an enormous amount of heat that turns water into steam. The steam then, in turn, generates electricity.
Fusion is when the nucleus of an atom are joined ,which produces a free neutron and nucleus. Heat is produced when the free neutron collides with the other atoms, converting energy into heat.
Despite some people’s perceptions, nuclear energy is safe. There are a number of safety systems and backup systems in place. These protect against malfunctions, mistakes, and potential accidents.
From the National Energy Foundation’s Nuclear Energy poster available at

8. Renewable Energy
Definition: materials that can be replaced through natural and/or human processes
Always available: solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal
New ways to use these resources are being developed
*Distribute the Renewable Energy posters to each student. These slides will guide the discussion for the renewable energies, but all content is included on the back of the poster.

9. Wind Fastest growing source of electricity
Wind turns turbines, which generate electricity
California and Texas have the most wind turbines
You will be building a wind turbine during this summer camp!

10. Solar Sun emits light and heat energy at a tremendous rate
Collect and control for generating electricity
Solar technologies include solar cells (photovoltaics), solar thermal electric and solar heating

11. Hydropower
Accounts for 90% of renewable sources or 8-12 percent of the total generation of electricity
Provides the majority of power for Washington state and Idaho
Dams form a reservoir of water which then goes through a pipe and pushes the blade in a turbine
Future: technology to use ocean waves

12. Biomass/Biofuel
Stored solar energy in living organisms as well as forest and agricultural residue
Includes things such as dead trees, yard clippings, leftover crops or sawdust from lumber mills
Can also be converted into gaseous fuels for other uses such as transportation

13. Geothermal Use heat generated by the earth’s interior
Steam and heat is found in rocks and fluid within the earth’s crust
Hot water is brought to the surface—steam is separated from the liquid—steam turns a generator
Energy can be used on a smaller scale with geothermal heat pumps that warms homes and buildings