1. Alternative Energy Resources Introduction
The use of fossil fuels are known to have negative effects on human health, the environment, and contribute to global conflict. Alternative energy sources are a possible resolution to our global problem.
What are some alternative energy sources that you are aware of?
How do you think these energy sources can be tapped into?
What are the benefits of the alternative energy sources you have identified?
What are some of the possible negatives of the alternative energy sources you have identified?

2. Alternative Energy Resources Explicit Instruction
Hydropower and Ocean Energy
Hydropower is nonpolluting and relatively inexpensive, but comes at a cost.
Dams and reservoirs interrupt natural water flow changing and displacing ecosystems.
Shifts in the landscape can cause erosion and landslides.
Important sediments are nutrients are prevented from moving down stream.
Tidal energy and ocean thermal energy conversion can be used to generate electricity.

3. Alternative Energy Resources Explicit Instruction
Solar Energy
Passive solar heating is a natural means of collecting, storing and distributing the sun’s energy (ex. Greenhouses).
Active solar heating uses technology to collect, move and store heat from the sun.
Flat-plate solar collectors utilize fluids to move and store heat.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are used to convert solar energy directly into electrical energy.
Weather, cost of production, and production waste currently solar technology.

4. Alternative Energy Resources Explicit Instruction
Wind power may be utilized by wind turbines to convert wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Wind turbines may be found solo or built in groups (wind farms), and may even be found offshore where winds are greater.
While wind turbines have higher upfront cost, they tend to be more profitable in the long run compared to fossil fuel plants.
Wind power is unpredictable and has been found to cause damage to landscape, harm wildlife, and cause noise pollution.

5. Alternative Energy Resources Explicit Instruction
Hydrogen fuel can be produced from the breakdown of water or other hydrogen-containing compounds.
Electrolysis may be used to break water down into oxygen and hydrogen gases.
Hydrogen may also be extracted from methane, but produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Hydrogen’s abundance, potential cleanliness, and ease of transport are major benefits.
Current expense, flammability, and other safety concerns are the biggest hurdles for hydrogen fuel development.
Current development utilizes fuel cells that reverse electrolysis to provide a means of producing electricity.

6. Alternative Energy Resources Guided Practice
Read and review the questions for “Map it: Wind Patterns” on page in your textbook. Work with your tablemates to answer the questions.

7. Alternative Energy Resources Independent Practice
How does the Three Gorges Dam demonstrate that renewable energy resources have both benefits and costs?
What is the main difference between passive and active solar heating? List four benefits of solar power.
You have been asked to evaluate the possibility of constructing a wind farm on a ridge top among a city’s suburbs. What information would you need to know before deciding whether or not to recommend the site?
Hydrogen fuel can cause huge explosions and enormous damage when ignited. You are on a commission to evaluate the safety of hydrogen fuel. What safety measures would you recommend? Consider the design of transport vehicles, routes they take, and time of day transportation occurs.