Energy: Future Challenges
An Internet WebQuest for Science Week 2005
Finding a better solution for our energy needs

created by UniServe Science

Introduction | The Task | The Process and Resources | Conclusion


Introduction

We need your expertise. For decades, fossil fuels have been the main source of energy for transportation and to generate electricity for industrial and household use. But fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas take millions of year to form and they may run out. When they have been used up, it will take millions of years for them to be replaced. We can't wait that long. We need to do something now.

The burning of fossil fuels also contribute greatly to the pollution and climatic changes that the Earth is experiencing, like global warming and the greenhouse effect.

We need to be looking at alternatives to fossil fuels and we need your help.

Some of the enery alternatives to be considered are:
  • wind energy;
  • solar energy;
  • energy from the oceans;
  • biomass;
  • geothermal; and
  • nuclear energy.



The Task

You will be working in a group of 8 - 10. The task for the group is to investigate the alternative energy sources listed below and prepare a report to identify the best solutions for Energy: Future Challenges.

Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the alternative energy sources. Each individual or pair will need to find out on their specific energy source and prepare a presentation which will be delivered to your team.

Your presentation should include the following:
  • the name of the alternative energy source
  • description of that energy source
  • advantages/disadvantages of the energy source
  • reasons why we should or should not be using the energy source
  • brief description of resources needed
  • suitability for Australia
  • location of place where it is currently being used

As a group, you will then need to consider each of the alternative energy sources and make some recommendations as to which of them should be considered for our future energy needs. Your recommendations will be presented to the whole class.



The Process and Resources

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Access the following web sites as background information. Here are some questions to guide your investigations.

  1. What is meant by a renewable source of energy? Give example.
  2. What is meant by a non-renewable source of energy? Give example.
  3. What sources of energy are currently used to supply most of the world's energy needs.
  4. What are fossil fuels? What are some of the problems associated with fossil fuels?
  5. What is "green" power?

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Within your group, decide who will investigate each of the alternative energy sources.

  2. Read through the files linked to your particular energy source. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.

  3. Make a bibliography: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to prove your point and so that you can reference your sources in your bibliography. You should also inlcude and reference books or material that the teacher gives out.

Wind energy

Solar energy

Hydropower

Ocean energy

Biomass

Geothermal

Nuclear

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different alternative energy source. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by investigating their energy source.

You must all now decide which is the most appropriate source of energy to replace fossil fuels. Maybe it would be better to consider a variety of solutions. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, acts, opinions, etc. from the web pages you explored to convince your team mates that your viewpoint is important. Your WebQuest team will then present the team's decision to the whole class.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You and your team mates have learned a lot by dividing up to address different issues and points of view. Now's the time to put your learning into a format that can be shared with other interested people.

Your group may decide to present their recommendations in written format, as a brochure or as a poster, in electronic format, as a presentation or web site, or through an oral presentation or debate.



Conclusion

Finding a solution to Energy: Future Challenges is important to us all. Now you have the knowledge and expertise to make an informed decision. The choice of the alternative energy sources will be made by others, the government, scientists and engineers. But we as individuals can help to save energy, and reduce the need for using as much as we do. Explore this web site to find out how we can save energy.
The Greenhouse Effect: 10 easy ways every Australian can make a difference - from the Department of the Environment and Heritage
http://www.deh.gov.au/minister/env/2001/pubs/mr25feb01.pdf

OR

You can make a difference - also from Australian Greenhouse Office
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/greenhousefriendly/publications/pubs/difference.pdf


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