NUCLEAR
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A nuclear reactor is not cheap. Find out how much it costs for the government to build one.
Are they financially worth it? Look for information about the price of nuclear energy compared
to other sources.
How do nuclear reactors work? Explain the process.
Not every country can build a nuclear reactor. Which countries use them? Where does the raw
material come from?
Nuclear reactors have a bad reputation for causing damage to the environment. What are some
of the problems and how are they resolved?
Is nuclear power renewable? How does the use of nuclear power affect carbon dioxide
emissions?
Where are the nuclear wastes stored? What is the status of the Yucca Mountain Repository?
Find information about the Chernobyl accident, the Fukusima accident and Three Mile Island
incident.
SOLAR
1. There are two main types of solar power, explain thermal solar energy.
2. There are two main types of solar power, explain the process of generating electricity using a
photovoltaic cell.
3. How much does it cost a homeowner to install a solar panel on their roof? What are the
problems they might encounter? Are there any tax breaks a homeowner might earn?
4. What is the process of large scale solar power plants such as the Ivanpah Solar Electric
Generating System southwest of Las Vegas?
5. How can solar power affect the environment? Are there wastes? Can it hurt animals?
6. Are all types of solar energy renewable? Do any of the processes emit carbon dioxide?
7. What parts of the world can benefit the most from using solar power? The US?
WIND
1. There are different types of wind generators, find out pricing information on the type that
would be appropriate for a single user, such as a family home. This type of wind generator
would produce energy in the range of kilowatts per hour.
2. There are different types of wind generators, find out pricing information on the type that
would be appropriate for a community. This type of wind generator would produce energy in
the range of megawatts per hour.
3. What are some of the environmental effects of using wind power? Are there any dangers to
animals? Does it affect the land? Are there carbon emissions?
4. Where in the world is it most beneficial to harness wind power? What wind speeds are
necessary?
5. Explain the process of wind generators. How do they create electricity?
BIODIESEL
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Biodiesel is one type of fuel that can be used in vehicles. Find information about the use of
such fuels in fleet vehicles (when there are many vehicles used by a single group such as school
buses the US Postal Service and UPS) or in regular cars. Hint, check the back of our school
buses.
Biodiesel is not found at every local gas station. Where can you purchase it and what does it
cost? How does that compare to regular gasoline?
There are different types of bio fuel; ethanol, E85, and gasohol to name few. Explain the
general process of how are they made.
Explain how these types of fuel are considered renewable or nonrenewable.
What are some of the environmental impacts of using biofuels? (Hint, look at the carbon cycle)
GEOTHERMAL
1. What is geothermal energy? Explain the process that creates electricity.
2. Where is geothermal energy most likely to be available? Do we use it in Nevada?
3. How does its use impact the environment? Is it renewable? Are there waste products? Carbon
emissions?
4. What is the cost of building a geothermal power plant compared to other sources of energy?
5. Why don’t we harvest geothermal energy from Yellowstone National Park? Are there dangers
of releasing the magma?
6. Geothermal energy can be used as a direct source of heat. Explain this process.
HYDROELECTRIC
1. What is hydroelectric energy? Explain its process.
2. Where is hydroelectricity most available? Can it be over used?
3. How does hydroelectric energy affect the environment? Is it renewable? Discuss the impact
aquatic life, the land, water temperature? Does it create carbon emissions?
4. How expensive are hydroelectric power plants compared to other sources of energy?
5. There are other types of hydroelectric energy. Provide information about tidal energy to add to
your group’s information.
6. There are other types of hydroelectric energy. Provide information about hydrogen energy to
add to your group’s information.
7. Find basic historical information about the construction of Hoover Dam. How did its completion
effect the environment?