A sustainable energy future

How can we make sure we have energy in the future? 1)Conserve energy - we use twice as much as most other developed countries

Sweetart Question…. Tell me 2 ways YOU can conserve energy.

How to conserve energy? Turn off electrical items when they aren’t being used. Use energy efficient items (appliances, light bulbs etc…) Modify structures (more insulation) Modify vehicles to use less fuel

2) Use alternate energy sources A) solar energy = comes from the sun we can use solar energy to heat buildings. Water & make electricity. Solar energy can be passive (doesn’t require extra equipment) or we can use solar collectors & solar cells (photovoltaic cells).

Sweetart Question… Give me 2 reasons solar energy is better than using fossil fuels.

Another Sweetart Question… Give me one reason why solar energy isn’t being used widely in the US.

B) Wind energy – wind is created from heat from the sun. - we need an area with enough wind & some specialized equipment. - wind is renewable & doesn’t pollute - not all areas will be able to use wind energy.

Jawbreaker Question… Why are areas near Chicago, Montana, Nebraska, etc. better for using wind energy than Atlanta?

C) Hydroelectricity – energy made from falling water. - most energy is made from water moving through a dam. - only areas where flowing water is available will be able to use hydroelectricity - dams cause some environmental problems

Nerd question… What are some environmental impacts of building a dam on a river?

D) Geothermal energy – uses hot spots underground to produce steam/electricity. - these areas must be near the surface to work - doesn’t last for very long, the area cools quickly - not all areas have these “hotspots”

Laffy Taffy… Name 2 countries that use Geothermal energy.

E) Biomass – organic matter is burned to produce energy. - wood is renewable - other items like waste, can also be used. - produces air pollution - similar to burning fossil fuels

Liquid Fuels Ethanol – made from plants material - can be mixed with gasoline - burns cleaner than gas - is renewable & cheap

Jawbreaker … Many people are against using Ethanol as a fuel, list 2 reasons why people don’t like Ethanol.

Hydrogen = most plentiful element in the universe - experimental right now - only waste product produced is water

Question… If you saw Ms. Hill driving in a hydrogen powered car you would A.Laugh and point because her feet probably don’t reach the pedals B.Run into the backend at full speed and watch the fireworks C.Ask her for a ride D.Look away and pretend you don’t see her in that dorky car