A Solution to the Energy Crisis
Choose a scientific solution to the energy crisis. Use one of the following or another in
discussion with your science teachers.
 Use of biomass as an energy resource and as a source of biofuel (for example
from Canola oil, Corn, Sugarcane, Soya bean, Sewerage, Organic waste, Algae)
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
 Hydrogen fuel cells (Chemistry and Physics)
 Nuclear fusion (Chemistry and Physics)
 Nuclear fission (Chemistry and Physics)
You must include scientific details relating to both your science options, including.
Biology: production of organic materials
Chemistry: details of the chemical reactions which take place
Physics: details of how the electricity is generated
Write a 900-1200 word essay which describes a scientific or technological
solution to the energy crisis and discusses its effectiveness, giving examples
and specific information about the effects on the economy, society and the
environment.
Suggested essay structure
Introduction
What is the energy crisis?
Solution to the energy crisis
What is your solution to the energy crisis and how does it work? Describe the science in appropriate detail (relating it to
both your science options).
Benefit 1
Describe a benefit of your solution.
Benefit 2
Describe another benefit…
Limitation 1
Describe a problem your solution doesn’t perfectly solve, or a new problem your solution creates.
Limitation 2
Describe another limitation…
Conclusion
How effective is the solution to the problem? Is it being implemented in practice? What predictions can be made about the
future of your solution?
References
These should be formatted as in p.17 of the ISBerne 10 th Grade Science Guide
A solution to the energy crisis:
Introduction: What are the problems with human energy use?
Scientific details of solution to the energy crisis
What are the benefits of this solution?
1.
2.
3.
4.
(Choose the two most important to write about in more detail in your essay)
What are the limitations of your solution?
1.
2.
3.
4.
(Choose the two most important to write about in more detail in your essay)
Discuss a benefit in detail and give specific information and/or examples.
Discuss another benefit in detail and give specific information and/or examples.
Discuss a limitation in detail and give specific information and/or examples.
Discuss another limitation in detail and give specific information and/or examples.
Conclusion: How effective is the scientific solution?
References (Check the 10th Grade Science Guide for information on formatting references)
Here are some resources you could use for your essay:
Resources From NEED for fuels (biomass, nuclear)
http://www.need.org/energyinfo.php
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/IntermediateHydrogen.html
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
http://www.digitalsplashstudios.com/fuel-cell.html
http://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/projects/fuel_cell/education/FuelCellVideos.cfm
Climate Change
http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/
IPCC 2007 report summary http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr_spm.pdf