Energy Expo
Introduction
Alternative energy refers to any non-fossil fuel energy source. However, alternative
energy does not necessarily have to be renewable, as in the case of nuclear energy.
Renewable energy uses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and
geothermal heat, which may be naturally replenished. The majority of renewable
energy technologies are directly or indirectly powered by the sun.
Sunlight (Group #1)
Solar power can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings,
for generating electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and a variety of
commercial and industrial uses.
Wind (Group #2)
The sun's heat also drives the winds, whose energy is captured with wind turbines.
The winds and the sun's heat cause water to evaporate. When this water vapor turns
into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams, its energy can be
captured using hydropower.
Hydropower (Group #3)
Hydropower is a method of using water to power machinery or make electricity.
Water constantly moves through a vast global cycle, evaporating from lakes and
oceans, forming clouds, precipitating as rain or snow, and then flowing back down to
the ocean. The energy of this water cycle, which is driven by the sun, can be tapped
to produce electricity or for mechanical tasks like grinding grain. The energy of the
ocean's tides comes from the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun upon the
Earth.
Biomass (Group #4)
Along with the rain and snow, sunlight causes plants to grow. The organic matter
that makes up those plants is known as biomass. Biomass can be used to produce
electricity, transportation fuels, or chemicals. The use of biomass for any of these
purposes is called biomass energy.
Hydrogen (Group #5)
Hydrogen can be found in many organic compounds, as well as in water. It is the
most abundant element on the Earth. However, hydrogen does not occur naturally
as a gas. It is always combined with other elements, such as with oxygen to make
water. Once separated from another element, hydrogen can be burned as a fuel or
converted into electricity.
Geothermal (Group #6)
Not all renewable energy resources come from the sun. Geothermal energy taps the
Earth's internal heat for a variety of uses, including electric power production and the
heating and cooling of buildings.
Procedure
Your teacher will help divide your class into teams. Everyone on your team is
expected to become an expert in the renewable resource that you are researching
and prototyping. At the Energy Expo your team will be evaluated using the Grading
Rubric, so make sure that you have met all of the criteria.
1. Research your renewable energy source.
2. Design, build, and test the model or prototype which uses your assigned
alternative energy source. Prototype does not need to work but bonus points will
be given if it does.
3. Prepare Energy Expo display. Choose carefully what to include in your display. A
simple display with a few key items is often most effective. Not all of these will
apply to your project. Some presentation types could include PowerPoint, Movie
(Be Careful with Microsoft Movie Maker), Prezi, Song, Skit, Podcast, Website
(Weebly), Poster board, etc.) Some of the possible items to include in your
presentation are listed below.





Charts, graphs, or tables describing your research
Models, prototype, photographs, illustrations
Description of how your energy source works, its applications, advantages
and disadvantages
Description of how your model or prototype works
STEM careers involved
4. In your presentation please include answers to the following questions about how
your energy source will replace (coal, petroleum, or natural gas).



Explain why your energy source is the best solution for that replacing your
chosen fossil fuel.
Convince us by giving us as many negative factors of the chosen fossil fuel
and as many positive factors about your alternative energy source.
Include images or videos in your presentation.
Element
5 points
GRADING RUBRIC
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 point
Total
Display is:

Organized

Neat

Easy to read

Catchy title

Effective use of
pictures, charts,
graphs etc.
The presentation of
Alternative Energy
source includes well
done descriptions
showing how it
works etc.
The presentation has
advantages and
disadvantage of
energy source
The presentation
includes information
about STEM careers
*The prototype is
well done an able to
be explained
The presentation
had required info
about replacing fossil
fuel
*Bonus Points for working Prototype ______10pts
Total Group Grade_______/30 points
Group Alternative Energy Type _______________
Name_____________________ ____/30pts
Name_____________________ ____/30pts
Name_____________________ ____/30pts
Name_____________________ ____/30pts