1. Topic: Alternative Energy Resources PSSA: 3.5.7.D / S8.D.1.1

2. Objective: TLW compare the different types of alternative energy resources and identify pros and cons for each one.

3. MI #1: Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is energy released by fission or fusion. Fission is the splitting of atomic nuclei. Fusion is the joining of two or more atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus.

4. MI #2: Nuclear Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - provides huge amounts of energy with a small amount of resource Cons - Waste Disposal - Potential Accidents - High Temp. Requirements

5. MI #3: Solar Energy Solar energy is the energy received by the Earth from the sun.

6. MI #4: Solar Energy (Pros and Cons Pros - Renewable - No pollution Cons - Limited in some climates - Very expensive

7. MI #5: Chemical Energy Chemical energy is energy released from chemical reactions. It is most often associated with hydrogen fuel cells.

8. MI #6: Chemical Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - No pollution (the byproduct is water vapor) Cons - Limited availability - Expensive at this point

9. Mi #1: Hydroelectric Energy Hydroelectric energy is the energy produced by the motion of water.

10. MI #2: Hydroelectric Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - Inexpensive once built - Causes very little pollution Cons - Not available everywhere - Damages ecosystems - Decreases water quality

11. MI #3: Biomass Energy The use of organic matter to create energy is biomass energy. Organic matter used may be plant material, wood, and dung. Biomass may be burned or changed into liquid fuel (gasohol)

12. MI #4: Biomass Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - Renewable - Readily available in many forms Cons -Production of ethanol from corn could reduce availability for food.

13. MI #5: Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is energy produced from the heat within the Earth. Harnessing geothermal heat energy can heat steam to turn turbines to produce electricity.

14. MI #6: Geothermal Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - No pollution Cons - Not available everywhere

15. MI #7: Wind Energy (Use Vocabulary Section) Wind energy uses a windmill to turn turbines to generate electricity.

16. MI #8: Wind Energy (Pros and Cons) Pros - No Pollution Cons - Limited Availability

17. So What…? Real Life Application Understanding alternative energy resources is important because these resources will power our society in years to come.