Alternative Energy

Topics:  Energy, Renewable Energy

Source: The Railroad Commission of Texas, Alternative Fuels and Education Division

Web address: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/divisions/afred/education/education.html

Grade Levels:  HS

Learning Strategies:  Investigations/activities, exams, reading comprehension

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Physics, Grade 9 or 10

1. Conservation of Energy and Momentum

 

 

• Earth and Space Science, Grade 9 or 10

1. Matter and Energy in the Earth System

2. The Earth's Sources of Energy

3. Earth's Processes and Cycles

 

• Biology, Grades 9-10

16.Ecology

• Technology/Engineering, Grade 9 or 10

4. Energy and Power Technologies – Thermal Systems

Cost:  Free

Decription: The Alternative Fuels Research & Education Division Energy Education section of the Railroad Commission of Texas website explores alternative energy in the context of four areas: energy, fuels, technology, and environment.  Each unit contains lesson plans, background readings, activities and investigations, and assessments with answer keys.  Vocabulary is outlined within the background readings and the activities provided are meant to supplement the text.  Students first investigate different forms of energy and their sources, venture into learning about fuels and their composition, and then move onto an understanding of technology and the environment.  The compilation of activities and assessments cover various representations of energy and how we are affected by energy within our world.

A reviewer notes: "There appears to be a good balance of activities dealing with different energy sources and global warming issues. There is some exploration of advanced topics in global warming, related to astronomical causes, and examination of environmental impacts of using many energy sources."