This week students are starting a project focused on Maine’s energy resources. Students will need to look at the pros and cons of a variety of energy types and make a recommendation for energy production in Maine over the next 100+ years. Students begin this project by learning about a variety of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Note and resources from class can be found here: Presentation: Energy Production.
The assignment itself is posted in Google Classroom. You can see the rubric here.
energy – the ability to power or do work, examples include electricity, heat & movement.
renewable– it can be replaced or restored by nature (it won’t run out)
non-renewable – there is a limited supply, once you use it up you cannot replace it (it will run out)
fossil fuel – a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals over millions of years
petroleum – a thick, dark liquid oil usually found below ground that is the source of crude oil and gasoline
Energy Sources Research Links:
- Start here: Link to Energy Sources Videos (look on the bottom half of the page)
- Nuclear
- Newsela Nuclear Energy
- Biomass
- Biomass Video
- Petroleum
- Geothermal
- Wind
- Newsela Wind Energy
- Benefits of Wind Fact Sheet
- Solar
- Newsela Solar Energy
- Natural Gas
- Hydro
- Pros and Cons of Hydro Power
- Coal
- Tidal – National Geo
- Tidal Energy (ducksters)
- Tidal Energy Video
- Tidal Energy – Pros and Cons
- Tidal Energy Article
- Tidal Energy Fact Sheet
Maine Specific Research Links
- EIA – Maine Energy Sources Data
- Select the Electricity Tab: What are the 4 sources of electricity in Maine? Write how many megawatt hours come from each source.
- Select Production: What types of energy are produced in Maine? How much of each?
- Select Consumption by Source: Which 4 energy sources does Maine use the most?
- EIA – More on Maine Energy Sources
- Solar Power at the Blaine House
- Press Herald: Lawmakers hear debate that shows sharp divide over renewable-energy bill
- Article: Maine Is Now a Battleground For Wind Development
- Article: In Maine, a US first in tidal energy
- Article: U.S. still has no place for spent nuclear fuel, so Maine Yankee’s owner gets millions
- Article: Eastport, Maine Tidal Project
- Article: Article: Maine company partnering with Clinton dairy farms to produce cow-powered biogas
- Article: UNE researchers harvest kelp from farm in Saco Bay to use as biofuel
Extra time? Check out these links and activities:
- Carbon Footprint Calculator
- These 7 Machines May Just Convince You Perpetual Motion Is Possible
- Ted Ed: Why don’t perpetual motion machines ever work?
- Build a Hydrogenerator
- Makespace Projects (see Ms Lea for materials)
ASSIGNMENTS:
- The Future of Energy in Maine project due May 30
ASSIGNMENTS:
Ms Lea's Blog 
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