The Energy Project
Physical Science
Page 1 of 2
Objectives
In this project, you will try to solve the world’s energy crisis. Your mission is to find an
energy resource that can be used to generate electricity. You must also convince everyone
else it is the best choice. You only have one class period to complete your work.
You are writing a short introduction, not a book.
Limit your presentation to 3 minutes.
1. Describe how it works. Whatever your resource, tell us:
a. Where does the energy come from?
b. How is it turned into electricity?
c. How much of this resource is available? (Is it renewable or non-renewable?)
2. Promote your idea. Why is using this resource a good idea? Tell us:
a. What is the main advantage of using this type of power?
b. Has a power plant using this resource ever been built? Where? When?
If not, can it be built using existing technology?
c. What are some other advantages of using this type of power?
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3. Defend your idea. No matter how good your idea is, someone else will dislike it.
a. Before the opposition even gets a chance, research the main argument against
using your energy resource. (Know what people will say against your position.)
b. Now, defend yourself against this argument.
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4. Launch an attack. Criticize someone else’s idea.
a. Make a better case for your idea by comparing it to other energy resources,
and demonstrating how yours is the better solution.
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Notice you can use the list above as a checklist.
Rubric
Your work must be based on research, but must be original. If you copy and paste text from
the internet (eg Wikipedia), then your maximum grade is rank 2.
On the table below, you are evaluated for Checklist Completion and Strength of Argument.
Whichever rank is lower . . . that’s your maximum grade. Therefore, in order to get a
perfect score, you have to max out in both categories.
LCPS
grade (%)
59
Checklist Completion
(9 items)
Nothing.
69
1 to 3.
Started, but not finished. (OR: Copied and pasted.)
79
4 or 5.
Weak arguments, poorly researched facts.
89
6 or 7.
Convincing, but could use more support.
4.5
95
8 out of 9.
Convincing . . . just needed one more thing.
5
100
All 9 items!
Very convincing. Well researched, point proven.
Rank
1
2
3
4
Strength of Argument
Nothing.
The Energy Project
Physical Science
Page 2 of 2
Some Possible Topics (and advice)
You might be able to think of a resource that’s not on this list. That’s ok.
Resource
Advice
Fossil Fuels
(Coal, oil, natural gas)
The main problem with this resource is that it is running out. In fact, the entire
“world energy crisis” is that there may not be enough of this resource to go
around. But . . . maybe we haven’t been thinking of the problem correctly?
Wind Power
You’ve heard about it as “wind farms.” Since it’s a current topic, there are plenty
of arguments for and against. Do you really want one in your back yard?
Hydroelectric
One of the first energy resources. Dams have been in use since the late 19th
century for producing electricity. But if they’ve been around that long, why
haven’t we used them to solve the energy crisis already?
Solar
Solar power actually comes in two varieties: solar thermal and solar electric.
Basically, solar thermal uses the sun’s heat, but solar electric turns the sun’s light
directly into electricity. There are a lot of ideas out there for both options.
Agricultural Biomass
You probably have heard about this topic under other terms, such as biodiesel,
ethanol, and biofuels. The idea is to basically harvest plants to create energy in
some way. Of course, don’t humans generally have another use for farms?
Geothermal
Using the heat within the Earth to create electricity. We’re talking more than
volcanoes here – if you dig down far enough, you are certain to encounter higher
temperatures. The trick is turning this into an energy resource (it’s been done.)
Nuclear Fission
This is the technical term for what most people just think of as “Nuclear Power.”
It involves splitting atoms of uranium to generate energy. Of course, this is also
the stuff that makes A-bombs go “boom.”
Nuclear Fusion*
This is the way the sun generates its power. Fusion involves forcing together
atoms of lighter elements (such as hydrogen) to create an enormous amount of
energy when they combine. Of course there is the small problem that no one has
ever built a successful nuclear fusion power plant . . . .
Biological Hydrogen
Production*
A new and cutting-edge idea. Unfortunately, it’s still in the “drawing board”
stages, and has yet to be turned into a real product. However, if it became
possible, it would allow us to switch from fossil fuels to the (so-called)
“hydrogen economy.”
* Difficult Subject. Recommended for Honors students only.