GEOTHERMAL ENERGY~ DAY 1
1.Have your science at your
table
2.Title: Geothermal Energy
3.Date: 02/03/14
4.Update your table of
Contents
Vocabulary Connection
geo = relating to the earth
therm = heat
geothermal = relating to the internal heat of the Earth
• Geothermal energy is power generated from natural
steam, hot water, hot rocks, or lava in the Earth's crust.
What other words have the prefix “geo” in them?
How do those words relate to “the Earth”?
What other words have the prefix or root word “therm” in
them?
How do those words relate to “heat”?
Where Geothermal Energy is Found
Where Geothermal Energy is Found
Geothermal reservoirs are naturally occurring areas of hydrothermal resources. They are
deep underground and are largely undetectable above ground. Geothermal energy finds its
way to the earth's surface in three ways:
• Volcanoes (or holes/cracks in the earth’s crust)
• Hot springs
• Geysers (See Old Faithful erupt: http://youtu.be/wE8NDuzt8eg )
When magma comes near the earth's surface, it heats ground water trapped in porous rock
or water running along fractured rock surfaces and faults. Hydrothermal features have two
common ingredients, water (hydro) and heat (thermal). Geologists use various methods to
find geothermal reservoirs. Drilling a well and testing the temperature deep underground is
the most reliable method for locating a geothermal reservoir.
Why does Old Faithful erupt on a schedule? Check this out to see how geysers erupt and
recharge: http://youtu.be/X4zA_YPCyHs
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Geothermal Energy Basics
Most geothermal resources are near tectonic plate boundaries
The most active geothermal resources are usually found along major tectonic plate boundaries
where earthquakes and volcanoes are located. One of the most active geothermal areas in the
world is called the Ring of Fire.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Geothermal Energy Basics
• See how geothermal energy creates
electricity: be ready to write this in your own
words
http://youtu.be/rfUQy86ZMpQ
Geothermal Energy
• Your teacher will demonstrate how power plants
help us harness the energy of the earth .
• In your notebook, sketch the model and label the
parts. Write in your own words how electricity is
generated using geothermal energy.
Geothermal Energy
• What conclusion can you make about how geothermal
power plants work? <Answer at least 1 in your journal>
– I used to think _____, but now I think ___.
– Based on the information I just learned, I conclude that ___ is
important because ___.
– Because of ___, I now understand why ___.
• What testable questions do you have now? What
variables would you be testing and which
variables must you control?
Geothermal Energy
Evaluating models: With your table
group label
Your illustration with the following
information
What do these things in our model
represent?
The boiling pot of water?
The steam?
The aluminum foil?
The can?
The pinwheel?
What are the limitations of this model?
Geothermal Energy
You and your partner will complete
the Geothermal Row in your Energy
chart… You already have this
saved….. Complete Row 2.
Alternative
Energy
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Wind
BioMass
Solar
Definition
How does it make
energy?
Examples/ Picture
Day 2 Research
• Open your Research Document and
complete a 2nd form for
Geothermal
• You will use the Symbaloo website
from Mrs. Aldridge’s web page as
part of your research.
• Remember to save your changes
with the blue square in the top left
corner of your screen.
Geothermal Energy Research
• Use these links and the printed resources that your
teacher provides to inform the public about
geothermal energy.
• Include the same categories of information that you
used to tell the public about the other forms of energy
you have studied.
Research links (This is a Symbaloo that has links to many
different sites – not just wind turbines):
http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/windturbinesites