Alternative Energy Project
Integrated Science 4
Redwood High School
TOC #19
01/15
Name:
Per:
 Introduction
It was estimated that no more than 15% of California’s electricity would be generated from renewable sources in
2013. The percent generated by burning natural gas (fossil fuel) was expected to be 52 percent, up from 45 percent in
2009. The remaining percentages were shared between hydro and nuclear. Unfortunately, fossil fuels and uranium235 are finite non-renewable resources. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels contributes pollutants and greenhouse
gasses into the atmosphere. The use of nuclear energy is controversial because of safety, storage, and disposal issues.
The public and their elected representatives must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each source of
electricity to make informed decisions about how to meet our state energy needs.
A number of renewable energy sources present potential solutions to our state’s increasing energy demands.
These sources have an ability to reduce our heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Energy alternatives to fossil fuels and
nuclear energy include wind, geothermal, solar, biofuels, and hydroelectric. With this assignment, we will study the
feasibility of alternative energy sources in meeting the electrical energy needs of California. Working with your table
group, you will research an alternative energy source.
 Assignment
1. Check your assigned topic: ☐ Wind
☐ Geothermal ☐ Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) ☐
Hydroelectric
2. Use your textbook (section 14-2), the Internet, and other available resources to research information needed to
create the Visual Presentation described below:
 Visual Presentation [refer to the poster diagram below]
1. Draw a “power plant” used to generate electricity from your energy source. The drawing must include labels of
all major components of the system.
2. List positive and negative aspects of using your energy source.
3. Current/Future Production. What percent of California’s electricity is currently provided by your source (what
year is this info from)? And what might be the future of your source (how much greater a percent might be
generated in the future)?
4. Using a class set of maps, determine where in California there are power plants powered by your energy source
and map them on a blank map of California. Online Source: http://energy.ca.gov/maps/power_plant.html
5. List the resources you used.
POSTER DIAGRAM
Alternative
Energy Source
Positive
Aspects
Current
Production
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Diagram of
“Power Plant”
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Attach California Map on Reverse Side
Names and
Sources
Negative
Aspects
Future
Production
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SUMMARY CHART
Type of
Resource
Wind
Geothermal
Solar Electric
(Photovoltaic)
Hydroelectric
Positive Aspects
Negative Aspects
Current Production
Future Production
California _____________
Power Plants