ONE MILLION STUDENTS Lesson 1: Solar Energy- An Introduction

AGENDA Source of energy Renewable versus non-renewable energy Impact of non-renewable energy The solar alternative Review

USES OF ENERGY 1.What sort of things do you use electricity for everyday? cell phone, computer, video games, refrigeration, cooking… 2.What would you do if you didn’t have electricity to do those things? 3. How would it make you feel?

TYPES OF ENERGY Oil Nuclear Geothermal Natural Gas Wind Hydroelectric Coal Ethanol Tidal

…but we’re forgetting one!

SOLAR ENERGY

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Where our energy comes from: US Energy Sources 2012 From Nuclear 19% Hydroelectric 7% Oil, Solar, Geothermal, Others 2% Biomass 1% Coal 37% Natural Gas 30% Wind 4%

California Energy Usage Hydroelectric 14% Electricity in California Renewable 15% Coal 2% NaturalGas 53% Nuclear 16%

RENEWABLE VERSUS NON-RENEWABLE

Non-renewable resources are Scarce Scarce : (adj) rare; not abundant Needed by many people World is slowly running out

Renewable Resources Can use again Will Not Run Out Problem: not available everywhere

EnergyRenewableCleanSafeLow CostNotes Fossil Fuelsno yes/nono Mining, oil drilling are dangerous. Fossil fuels cause fires. Nuclearnoyesnoyes/no Very high cost to setup but low cost after installation. Solaryes yes/noSolar panels are inefficient and take space Windyes yes/noHigh cost and space to setup. Not consistent Biomassyesnoyes Need land to produce bio fuel Hyrdroelectricyes yes/no Low cost to maintain. Not cost effective or possible everywhere Tidalyes Tidal energy only lasts 10 hours a day. Geothermalnoyes High cost to setup. Not available everywhere. Peopleyes Travel by foot or bike is slow and takes time Sources of Energy Cheat Sheet adapted from Potato Clocks and Solar Cars. Elizabeth Raum. Raintree. 2008, chicago.

IMPACT OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Impact to the Earth Greenhouse gases deteriorate the ozone layer protecting Earth Earth heats up and melts our planet’s icecaps which in turn: Destroy habitats for animals, humans and plants everywhere Change our agricultural land (with lower regions heating, populations move around, altering the uses of land) Changes the climate

THE SOLAR ALTERNATIVE

WHY SOLAR Solar energy is renewable; the Sun will not “run out” Solar Energy is eco-friendly; it does not harm the Earth The Sun is easily available and accessible. It rises everyday The Sun is clean and healthy; it does not harm life on Earth or our atmosphere with toxic fumes.

Classroom Demonstration: Using Solar to light up an LED

Review Questions: 1. How many people lack access to electricity around the world? 1.3 billion people 2. What are some of the benefits of Solar lighting? a.Higher Productivity b.Increase Income c.Savings d.Decrease in respiratory diseases e.Additional study hours for students 3. Why should we use solar? a.The sun will not “run out”. It is renewable and will last a long time. b.The sun is eco-friendly and does not harm the Earth c.There are no carbon emissions that are leading to global warming d.The sun is easily accessible and available e.The sun is clean and healthy. It does not harm human beings with toxic fumes