1. The Quest for Renewable Energy By Claire Freeman

2. Content Standard “Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems” (California Department of Education, Proposed California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for K-12 Grades Nine through Twelve). Photo: Alamy

3. The Quest for Renewable Energy Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits

4. Introduction You are a member of a highly trained research team. Your goal is to select one renewable energy source to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels. You must select one renewable energy source, and convince a panel of investors that this source is the best way to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Your team mates will each select the source that they believe is best, and will compete against you for funding. You may choose between wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy sources.

5. Task Use the internet and library to research your selected renewable energy source. Make sure to use reliable sources. Ask questions if you are not sure that your source is reliable. Develop a convincing argument in favor of your selected alternative renewable energy source. Remember to consider counter-arguments and address these in your presentation. Design a visual to aid your presentation. This can be a PowerPoint, poster, video, or Prezi.

6. Process In addition to locating your own information regarding your selected energy resource, you may make use of the following online resources to help you develop your argument. http://www.epa.gov http://www.nei.org/ http://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/renewable- energy/solar http://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/renewable- energy/solar http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global- warming/solar-power-profile/ http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global- warming/solar-power-profile/ http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal- energy http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal- energy http://water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/biomass.html Please select two additional resources from the school library or a public library to contribute to your presentation.

7. Evaluation Excellent (5 Points)Good (4 Points)Acceptable (3 Points) Poor (2 Points) PresentationPresentation is contains no “filler” words, is audible and well prepared. Presenter may utilize notecards. Practice is evident. Presentation may contain one or two “filler” words. Practice is apparent. Presenters use of notecards or other aids distracts minimally from the presentation. Presentation contains “filler” words, but they do not distract from the message of the presentation. Presenter does not appear to have practiced their presentation. Presenter uses many “filler” words, which distract from the message. Presenter did not practice and does not have notecards. EvidencePresenter includes evidence from at least six sources. Presentation is convincing and considers counter-arguments.. Presenter includes evidence from four to five sources. Presentation is convincing and considers counter- arguments. Presenter includes evidence from three sources. Counter- arguments receive little-no attention. Presenter includes evidence from two or fewer sources. Counter-arguments are not considered. VisualVisual aid is well organized, clear, and adds to the presentation. Visual aid is well organized and clear. Visual aid is organized but contains errors. Visual aid is disorganized and poorly presented. May not align with presentation.

8. Conclusion Write a one paragraph response to this question: With all of these renewable energy sources available, why are we still so dependent on fossil fuels? After this WebQuest, you will know about the different types of renewable energy, their pros and cons, and the obstacles that prevent us from abandoning fossil fuels altogether. You will also be able to inform your friends and family about alternatives to fossil fuels! Image Credit: Grinning Planet