PRINCE OF WALES LIBRARY
SCIENCE 9: ENERGY RESOURCES 
© 2002 - Mrs. S. Chung, Ms. K. Cordiner
Update: June 22, 2006
INTRODUCTION
It is very easy to forget how our daily lives are governed by the availability of energy. Can you think of ten ways that energy has an impact on your daily life? When your alarm goes off in the morning what has happened? What is behind that plug in the wall? By the time that this project is completed you will have gained an appreciation for how energy is produced, is used, and of the economic and environmental impact of specific energy sources. You will have made some judgments about the continued use of the resource that you have studied.
TASK
Your task is to argue for or against the continued or future use of a particular energy resource based on your research findings.
Your task will consist of several parts: research, a creative and informative class presentation, a colourful poster, a bibliography, and a 3-D shoebox model on some aspect of your energy source. You will make a recommendation to the class on the continued or future use of your energy source based on your research findings. To find out specific requirements of this assignment proceed to Process.
PROCESS
Note: These are the questions that you must address in your presentation.
C. Presentation, Poster, Model, Bibliography
- Presentation: Your presentation includes the information in part B.
- Poster: The poster must illustrate key points of your presentation. It should be mainly pictures with captions. If photos are used, cite your source. Include a bibliography for your project with your poster.
- Shoebox 3-D model: Create a model of some aspect of your topic.
e.g. a hydro dam, a windmill, a coal mine, an oil spill
- Bibliography: You must hand in a complete bibliography with your poster. Use the information in your agenda or online for information on the correct format. Remember that pictures must also be cited.
D. Timeline: Your teacher will provided you with a timeline and a list of checkpoints.
RESOURCES
The library has a large collection of books and Science encyclopedias that will be very useful for your project. Be sure to look at the "How It Works" and "Science and Technology" encyclopedias.
Online Resources
Be sure to establish the authority of any site that you visit.
General Searching: In Yahoo search:
energy. You will get a listing of sites for various forms of energy.
General Sites
- Canadian Renewable Energy Network
From the government of Canada. A wide variety of resources and activities. Good diagrams. Also includes statistical information.
- Electricity Generating Technologies
Provides basic information and links to other resources.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
This US Department of Energy site contains information on bioenergy, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind.
- Energy Kid's Page Basic information at an easy level.
- Energy Quest
This Canadian government site has excellent basic information and is a good starting point for your research. Click on the computer to find information about your energy resource.
- Energy Resources
Clearly presented information. Good pictures and diagrams. Includes pros and cons.
- Energy Matters: Types of Energy Sources
A Think Quest site with information on all types of energy.
- Government of Australia Renewable Resource Site
The site includes information on solar, wind, water, biomass and geothermal power. Scroll down the site map to find your energy source.
- How Stuff Works
Enter your resource or an particular aspect of your topic in the search box.
- re-energy.ca
Solar, Wind, Water, Biomass and more. Good links, activities, and basic information.
- Renewable and Alternate Energy
(Renewable Energy Policy Project)
- Alternative Energy Links
Biomass
Coal
Fuel Cells
Geothermal Energy
Hydro Electric (Water)
Natural Gas
Nuclear Energy
Oil and Petroleum
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
EVALUATION
You will receive a detailed handout with the expectations for each part of the project.
CONCLUSIONS AND EXTENSIONS
If you are interested in any of the topics related to energy you may want to consider some of the following ideas.
- Explore career opportunities related to one of the energy topics. For example, the mining industry employs geologists in the exploration phase. The mining industry also employs environmentalists, chemists, and metallurgists.
- You might consider a Career Prep placement in one of these industries.
-
Try keeping a log for a day of all the activities that you do that involve the use of energy.
- Explore ways to conserve energy around your home. Do you leave lights on when you leave a room?
- Compare your family's Hydro bills for the summer and winter months. How do you explain the differences?
TEACHER NOTES
Curriculum Fit
- This project addresses the Physical Science: Forces and Energy portion of the British Columbia Science 9 Curriculum.
- The project gives students practice in Developing Science Skills and Processes.
- An Approach to Science Education
"In Science 8 to 10, students develop the knowledge, skills, and
attitudes necessary for scientific literacy through four major
processes: working scientifically, communicating scientifically,
using science, and acting responsibly."
(
Science 8 to 10 Integrated Resource Package, 1995. Province of British Columbia, Ministry
of Education, Curriculum Branch.)
- Information Literacy goals are met. Students use a variety of technologies to locate, process, and present information. Students think critically about the information that they find and make judgments and draw conclusions based on evidence.
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