The Great Energy Debate! Wind, biomass, solar, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, coal, oil, biogas*

Energy Debate You are now participating in a mock hearing of the US Senate Committee for Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing is being held to determine whether or not to explore for energy resources on a specific parcel of land

Each group will assume the role of one of the stakeholders in the debate, trying persuade the committee that its opinion is the right one. You are going to be debating why your energy resources is the best in comparison to others, keep in mind that means you must research all the other groups and find cons on them.

All groups must assume the perspective of Economists Energy experts Members of youth for environmental action President of the American Petroleum Institute President of the Sierra Club Senator Tourism Officials Unemployed people Wildlife experts

Getting started: Your PowerPoint You need to be well informed on your energy resources (you must convince me why it’s great and be prepared to answer any questions I may ask) Explain how your energy source works Minimum of 3 examples of how its used (the more the better) Minimum of 3 advantages pictures

Each student group will have to present a 3-5 minute powerpoint committee hearing to state their case. Then the committee can ask additional questions if necessary. Student groups will be listening and writing counterarguments to the position they represented in the hearing. You should identify groups most likely to disagree with their positions and list issues opponents and what their arguments might be

Grading You will be graded 40% off completed worksheet 30% off debate 30% off PowerPoint committee hearing Everyone MUST debate and present information

The individual project You must research all energy groups: solar, wind, geothermal, nuclear, biomass, tidal, hydroelectric, coal and oil Summarize each energy resource in a well written paragraph explaining how it works, where commonly located, price range, give real examples, etc. Each resource must have a minimum of 10 sentences. In addition to this you need to explain at least 3 pros and cons

Absent on Debate In a minimum of 15 sentences explain why your energy resource is the best in comparison to others. You need to include factual information to convince why I should invest in your energy source and not others. You may only get the maximum total points of your energy group.