Renewable Energy

Entry Task: 1.) Describe the difference between renewable energy & non-renewable energy.

2.) What are the 4 main types of renewable energy?

Interactive Notebook:

Title = Renewable Energy

Right Side = Class Notes

Renewable EnergyRenewable energy is sometimes

called “clean energy” because it is considered to be better for the environment than other types of energy sources. Also called “alternative energy.”

It is renewable because the source is replenished constantly.

5 Types of Renewable Energy Sources: • Biomass •Geothermal •Water (Hydropower) •Wind • Solar

Solar EnergyThe sun provides most of the energy

we use.

Solar energy is energy from the sun.

Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into energy we can use.

Wind EnergyEnergy is collected from the wind through turbines – they make wind power.

Wind turbines can be found near the ocean, in the ocean, and on tall hills where it is windy.

Water PowerAlso called hydroelectric power.

We receive a lot of power from ocean tides and from water dams.

There are turbines in the water too!

Geothermal EnergyTraps heat deep down inside the Earth – from the crust and core.

Biomass EnergyMade up of biological material from

living or recently dead things (organisms).

Can be made up of wood, waste, plant matter, garbage, and landfill materials.

Can make methane gas, ethanol, and biodiesel which are transportation fuels.

Wind: As the wind blows it spins the large blades on a wind turbine and generates electricity.

Water (Hydropower): The energy contained in running water can be turned into electricity. Water, which is impounded or held behind a dam, is released through a turbine that spins a generator producing electricity.

Solar: The energy from the sun can be converted into heat and electricity. Sunlight can be captured using photovoltaic cells which convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

Biomass: Is energy derived from plants and animals. Biomass comes in many forms, the most common being wood. When we use plants as a source of energy we are converting their stored energy from the sun. Using the methane gas given off by landfills and animal waste is also becoming more common. Another increasingly popular form of biomass is in the form of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, which is also derived from plants and animals.

Geothermal: Uses heat generated by the earth’s interior. By drilling down into the Earth’s crust, much like we drill for oil, we can use that heat to generate electricity. Geothermal is a good source for heating homes and buildings.

What renewable energy source is most accessible in our country?

How could we use solar energy in

Dubai?Real Life Example= Masdar City!

Video: Begin at 30:00. https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhSC7LyEbjU

Energy Webquest!Posted on the Google

Classroom.

Follow the directions carefully!

Interactive Notebook:

Left Side = Renewable Energy Research Handout