Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss the growth of geothermal energy production to the teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives

Research various forms of geothermal energy sources.

Research unique geothermal energy applications used around the world.

Identify global sources and applications of geothermal energy technology.

Research how much the use of geothermal energy has increased globally in the past 10 years.

Create a slide presentation with photos and specifications of the five largest geothermal plants in the world and the total amount of energy created by each facility.

Show examples of unique geothermal systems (applications).
Terms
 Geothermal energy- clean, sustainable energy from the earth; sources can be found in naturally heated springs, rock layers, and molten rock magma, many miles beneath the earth’s surface.
 Geothermal heat pumps a system used in commercial and residential building that provides heat in winter by transferring heat from the earth, through ductwork, and into the indoor air delivery system of a building. In the summer, the process is reversed for cooling.
 Geothermal power plant- a facility that generates electrical energy by using hot water from a geothermal reservoir to power electrical generators.
 Geothermal reservoir- a natural collection of hot underground water usually trapped under a rock layer under the earth’s surface. Temperatures can be as high as 700 degrees and the water can form hot springs and geysers on the surface of the earth.

Direct geothermal energy The use of heat energy from water heated by hot springs or geothermal reservoirs near the surface of the earth. A heat exchanger is used to transfer the heat from the water, into a commercial or residential heating system.

Magma- a hot, liquid rock that exists just below the earth’s crust. It occasionally escapes the crust as hot lava, through openings in active volcanoes.

Radioactive decay a natural process that takes place within the earth where energy and heat are released when ancient matter (from plants and animals) breaks down.

Geothermal gradient- a flow of heat energy from the core of the earth to the surface, caused by the temperature difference between the core of the earth and the surface.
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes (i ntroduction- 45 minutes; presentation- 90 minutes; and quiz- 45 minutes).
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 1

TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
(7) The student knows mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. The student is expected to:
(A) use pneumatics devices;
(B) use hydraulics devices; and
(C) analyze the effects of heat energy and temperature on products.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I

110.31 (b) o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net) – www.onetonline.org/
Job Title: Geothermal Technicians
O*Net Number: 49-9099.01
Reported Job: Maintenance Technician; Control Room Operator (CRO); Control Operator; Instrumentation,
Control, and Electrical Technician (I C & E Technician); Mechanical Technician; Operations Technician;
Operator Technician; Instrument and Controls Technician (I & C Technician); Instrumentation and Electrical
Technician (I & E Technician); Maintenance Mechanic
Tasks

Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.

Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.

Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.
 Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.
 Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
 Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.
 Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.
 Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.

Test water sources for factors such as flow volume and contaminant presence.
Soft Skills

Reading comprehension
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 2


Critical thinking
 Operation monitoring
 Equipment maintenance
 Repairing
 Troubleshooting
Accommodations for Learning Differences
These lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. Modify the lessons to accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special Populations page of this website.
Preparation

Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.

Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready prior to the start of the lesson.
References

Webster’s new compact office dictionary (2003). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Co.
Instructional Aids

Introduction to Geothermal Energy slide presentation and notes

Warm-up Activity (Slide 3)

Introduction to Geothermal Energy Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Quiz for each student
 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Quiz Answer Key
The main purpose of this lesson is to give students an introduction to geothermal energy and the positive effect this technology has on our environment as a renewable form of energy.
Say
 A tremendous amount of geothermal (heat) energy is created and stored underground. Geothermal energy is a tremendous natural resource and has been in use, on a small scale, since ancient times.
Today we are using technology to find ways to tap into this vast renewable energy source.
Ask

Has anyone ever spent time in a basement in the winter time? What did you notice about the temperature?

Have you ever wondered why the entire ocean does not freeze solid in the winter like a pond or a lake?

Can you give examples of how geothermal energy is used?

Does anyone know how geothermal energy is produced?
Say

We will discuss the methods of production of geothermal energy and how it is becoming a viable alternative as a renewable energy source.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 3

Show
 Videos or photos of geothermal energy systems currently in use today.
MI
III.
IV.
V.
A.
applications
B.
resource
C.
resources
Industrial geothermal energy
Geothermal energy as a renewable
Sustaining our planet’s natural
Research
VI.
A.
B.
A.
B.
C.
OUTLINE
I.
Introduction of lesson
A.
Bell Work Activity
B.
production
A.
Overview
B.
C.
Discussion
Warm-up Activity
II.
The growth of geothermal energy
Show videos or photos of geothermal energy systems
Harnessing geothermal energy
Global sources and applications of geothermal energy
How much the use of geothermal energy has increased globally in the past 10 years
Create a slide presentation
Compile a list of the five largest geothermal plants in the world
Include the total amount of energy created by each facility
(applications)
Show examples of unique geothermal systems (applications)
Geothermal Energy Quiz
NOTES TO TEACHER
Begin the Introduction to
Geothermal Energy slide presentation.
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity .
(Slide 2)
Warm-up Activity/
Introduction to Geothermal
Energy Terms and Definitions
Handout
Students (in pairs) will teach each other the terms and definitions. They may do computer-based research to look up the meaning.
(Slide 3)
Review, discuss, and overview Introduction to
Geothermal Energy
(Slides 4-7)
Each slide is meant to be discussed. Have some background knowledge, and challenge the students to make some contributions to the discussion.
Administer quiz and grade using answer key.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 4

Existentialist
Interpersonal Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic Visual/Spatial
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different sources to gain more insight into the following concepts:
 unique, global applications of geothermal energy; and
 identification of a list of 10 unique jobs that have been created by the increased use of geothermal energy technology.
Independent Practice

Have students research how much the use of geothermal has increased globally in the past 10 years.
 Have students create a slide presentation with photos and details of the five largest geothermal power
Review plants in the world; include the total amount of energy created by each facility.
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Introduction to Geothermal
Energy slide presentation.
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key points from the Introduction to Geothermal Energy slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Introduction to Geothermal Energy Quiz.
Extension
Have students use the Internet to research the location of schools with degree programs that focus on preparing students for employment in geothermal technology (for the available jobs from now until 2025).
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 5

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Terms and Definitions
Use the Internet to research the definitions to the geothermal energy terms below.
1.
Geothermal energy
2.
Geothermal heat pumps
3.
Geothermal power plant
4.
Geothermal reservoir
5.
Direct geothermal energy
6.
Magma
7.
Radioactive decay
8.
Geothermal gradient
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 6

Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Terms and Definitions
1.
Geothermal energy- clean, sustainable energy from the earth; sources can be found in naturally heated springs, rock layers, and molten rock magma, many miles beneath the earth’s surface.
2.
Geothermal heat pumps a system used in commercial and residential building that provides heat in winter by transferring heat from the earth, through ductwork, and into the indoor air delivery system of a building. In the summer, the process is reversed for cooling.
3.
Geothermal power plant- a facility that generates electrical energy by using hot water from a geothermal reservoir to power electrical generators.
4.
Geothermal reservoir- a natural collection of hot underground water usually trapped under a rock layer under the earth’s surface. Temperatures can be as high as 700 degrees and the water can form hot springs and geysers on the surface of the earth.
5.
Direct geothermal energy The use of heat energy from water heated by hot springs or geothermal reservoirs near the surface of the earth. A heat exchanger is used to transfer the heat from the water into a commercial or residential heating system.
6.
Magma- a hot, liquid rock that exists just below the earth’s crust. It occasionally escapes the crust as hot lava, through openings in active volcanoes.
7.
Radioactive decay a natural process that takes place within the earth where energy and heat is released when ancient matter (from plants and animals) breaks down.
8.
Geothermal gradient- a flow of heat energy from the core of the earth to the surface, caused by the temperature difference between the core of the earth and the surface.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 7

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Quiz
Directions
Read each statement and fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1.
Scientists have determined that the _____________________ may be as hot as _____________________.
2.
The ________________ is the solid outer layer of our planet. It is approximately ________________ and consists of rock and soil.
3.
Water temperatures in the ____________________ can reach temperatures of ____________________.
4.
Geothermal energy can be harnessed through _____________________ and ______________________.
5.
We can access this heated water in __________________ through hot springs or by ________________.
6.
The ________________ is a flexible layer of solid and molten rock located under the ________________.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 8

Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Quiz
Directions
Read each statement and fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
7.
Scientists have determined that the _____________________ may be as hot as _____________________.
Answer
 earth’s inner core

4000 degrees Fahrenheit
8.
The ________________ is the solid outer layer of our planet. It is approximately ________________ and consists of rock and soil.
Answer
 crust
 40 miles thick
9.
Water temperatures in the ____________________ can reach temperatures of ____________________.
Answer
 earth’s crust

300 degrees Fahrenheit
10.
Geothermal energy can be harnessed through _____________________ and ______________________.
Answer
 electrical power plants
 heat pump systems
11.
We can access this heated water in __________________ through hot springs or by ________________.
Answer
 geothermal reservoirs
 drilling
12.
The ________________ is a flexible layer of solid and molten rock located under the ________________.
Answer
 mantle
 crust
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 9