Renewable Energy Living Lab: Energy Priorities
The feasibility in harnessing the various types of renewable energy varies by location. Map shows the percent renewable energy production by state in the U.S.Copyright (woman and wind turbine) US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor; (map) Energy.gov http://www.bls.gov/green/wind_energy/
http://energy.gov/maps/renewable-energy-production-state
Students analyze real-world data for five types of renewable energy, as found on the online Renewable Energy Living Lab. They identify the best and worst locations for production of each form of renewable energy, and then make recommendations for which type that state should pursue.
Engineers are continually designing and inventing new technologies to harness energy. All of these technologies must be adapted, however, for local conditions. For example, in Iceland, an island with many active volcanoes, about two-thirds of the country's primary energy comes from geothermal sources. However, in New York, attempting to harness geothermal energy may not make as much sense. Part of an engineer's job is determining what sources of energy are feasible for a given area.
Scientists and engineers around the world gather data through observation and experimentation and use it to describe and understand how the world works. The Renewable Energy Living Lab gives students a chance to evaluate U.S. renewable energy sources. Using the real-world data in the living lab enables students and teachers to practice analyzing data to solve problems or answer questions, in much the same way that scientists and engineers do every day.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the underlying ideas behind the five renewable energy sources.
- Use maps to analyze and evaluate the potential for various energy sources.
- Explain the factors contributing to renewable energy feasibility and make recommendations for best energy sources.