Alternative Energy

Replacing Fossil Fuels?

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

As students begin to look at the role photovoltaics might play within the transportation energy sector, it is important for them to understand why the phasing-out of fossil fuels is such a daunting task. This lesson is designed to help students comprehend...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Biomass Energy,

Energy Fundamentals,

Fuels,

Materials Science,

Sources of Energy,

Transportation

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will define energy density. 2. Students will compare energy densities among various transportation fuel options. 3. Students will compare costs per unit of energy among various transportation fuel options. 4. Students will compare energy return on energy invested among various transportation fuel options. 5. Students will assess which fuels have the most potential to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector using a weighted matrix.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Background Research on Alternative Transportation Vehicles

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Solar Transportation

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students completing this lesson will already have identified some of the problems inherent in the development of ideas to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Students will now conduct some research to identify some of the pros and cons of...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Fuels,

Hydrogen,

Sources of Energy,

Transportation

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will define BEVs, HEVs, HFCVs, and HICEVs 2. Students will compare the above vehicles and relate the pros and cons of each technology 3. Students will begin to evaluate which type of technology might be best suited for the goal of replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector 4. Students will begin to brainstorm ideas for how solar energy might be used to enhance these technologies

Pedagogy & Practice:

Research-Secondary,

Research-Primary

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ESS3-4,

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-3