Instructions

Part 1: Doing the Research

Just like in the real world, it is important to understand all the available options before trying to make a plan. You will be researching all the different ways that your town could generate electricity. Use the Sources of Energy tab on this site to find out more about each power source.

As you learn about the pros and cons of each source, fill out the Energy Project Notes that you will turn in with your project.

Part 2: Discuss and Determine as a Group

As a committee, discuss the different power sources that are available. Analyze the pros and cons for each power source. After thorough discussion and analysis, determine the power source that makes the most sense for your town. Make sure everyone in your group agrees on the proposed source.

Part 3: Make a Plan

Fill out the Group Project Sheet together as a group. On the sheet, you will write the power source that your group chose and why. You will also describe the details of how you are going to implement this power source in your town. Reference the sheet for more details.

Part 4a (Physics Students): Energy Transfer Analysis

On the same group paper, you are going to analyze the complete transfer energy for your system, starting with the fuel source and ending with electricity in citizen's homes. You will need to be specific and use the terms we discussed during the electromagnetism chapter. Reference the sheet for more details.

Part 4b (Earth Science Students): Environmental Impact

On the same group paper, you are going to analyze the environmental impact of your system. Is there some type of fuel that needs to be harvested? Is any mining going to be done? Are emissions going to be an issue? How do you dispose of by products? You will describe these ideas in detail and give a complete analysis.

Part 5: Convince the Mayor

The last part of the project will be to convince the mayor of your proposed solution. Be creative with part of the project. You can make a flier, write a song or poem, make a video, write a persuasive essay, etc. Make something that will help promote your campaign. You will also do an in class presentation and where you will present your material and defend your proposed solution.

This energy project is designed to help you understand the many key aspects of powering cities around the world. You will learn all about the different power sources available, their pros and cons, and why some power sources are more common than others.

For this project, you will be working with a group. Your goal is to determine the best available power source for your town. You will be acting as a committee of energy specialists. As a committee, you will be reviewing the many available power sources for your town. After you have researched and discussed, you will determine the 'definitively and absolutely' best solution and how the town should provide electricity to its citizens. After you have done all this, your last task will be to convince the mayor (Mr. Hart) that your solution should be put into action.

Just like in real life, there are many steps that need to be taken before a power plant is put into place. Your project will be broken into parts that will simulate these steps. Read each part below.

As you are determining your plans for your project, make sure that everyone in your group is contributing. Also, make sure to consider all the aspects involved with your power source. Things such as location, fuel sources, and cost often get overlooked.

To see exactly how you are graded on your final presentation, download the Energy Project Rubric to see the points possible.

Please talk to Mr. Hart if you have any questions. Good luck on your projects.

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Instructions