IQ2) How is Electricity Made?
In Australia, we produce most of our electricity by burning coal. But how does burning coal allow us to produce electricity? What is the heat released from the burning coal actually used for? How much coal do we have and will it ever run out? What impacts does the use of coal have on our environment and are there alternatives to burning coal that are more sustainable?
Core Learning Intentions
- Relate the law of conservation of energy to energy transfers and transformations and describe how useable energy can be reduced
- Discuss how research into increasing efficiency of electricity is influenced by our values and needs
- Discuss viewpoints and choices that need to be considered in making decisions about the use of non-renewable energy resources
- Outline examples where different branches of science, engineering and technology work together to produce scientific or technological advances, e.g. low-emissions electricity generation and reduction in atmospheric pollution.
Assignment: IQ1) How is Electricity Made?
Date Due: Wednesday August 19th 2015
Work through each of the tasks below to gain an understanding of "How Electricity is Made? Chapter 3 in Core Science Stage 5 textbook has information to help you complete the assignment. Each task must be completed ini your exercise book. A schedule is provided below:
1) Tuesday 19th July - Complete Task 1
2) Thursday 21st July - Complete Task 2 and homework for Tuesday will be to read resources
3) Tuesday and Thursday 26th and 28th July - Create Group Poster
Date Due: Wednesday August 19th 2015
Work through each of the tasks below to gain an understanding of "How Electricity is Made? Chapter 3 in Core Science Stage 5 textbook has information to help you complete the assignment. Each task must be completed ini your exercise book. A schedule is provided below:
1) Tuesday 19th July - Complete Task 1
2) Thursday 21st July - Complete Task 2 and homework for Tuesday will be to read resources
3) Tuesday and Thursday 26th and 28th July - Create Group Poster
Task 1: Generating Electricity
1) Watch the Energy 101: Electricity Generation video to get a general overview of how electricity is made and distributed. 2) Complete the flow chart provided after watching the video 3) Identify the difference between energy transfers and transformations. 4) Use the cards provided to reconstruct the Power Station Flowchart 5) Once you feel confident, put the cards and the flow chart away and answer the question below: Explain how a coal-fired power station works. (6 marks) |
|
Additional Resources
1) Use the website "How do we make Electricity?" and use the information to draw a simple generator.
1) Use the website "How do we make Electricity?" and use the information to draw a simple generator.
Task 2: Make your Own Electricity!
1) Connect a Microammeter to a solenoid as shown in the diagram. The microammeter will measure a very small current. 2) Take a bar magnet and hold the north pole of the magnet about 10 cm above the solenoid. 3) Move the magnet into the solenoid and observe the microammeter. 4) Is electricity generated when the magnet is held stationary inside the solenoid. 5) What happens if the south pole of the magnet is brought up to the solenoid instead of the north pole. 6) In your document, * Draw a diagram of the Generator that you made and label all components * write about what you have learnt from this experiment. Competition - The Ultimate Discussion!!!! |
1.7) Low-Emissions Technology
At the moment Australia uses 1) 75% Coal 2) 16 % Gas 3) 5% Hydro 4) 2% Wind in power stations to generate electricity. The future of coal has been questioned with some people arguing that we should be burning more coal while others say we should be trying to use less of it for environmental reasons. But the previous prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull says 'clean coal' could be the solution to both issues. So what is meant by the term “CLEAN COAL” a) Watch the video "Clean Coal" b) Read the article "Clean Coal explained" c) Write the following questions into your exercise books and answer them thoroughly |
In Coal-Fired Power Stations, powerful Greenhouse Gases are produced such as: • Carbon dioxide • sulfur dioxide (SO2), • sulfur trioxide (SO3), • nitrogen oxides (NOx) As well as a significant amount of particles that build up in your lungs and cause respiratory problems and possibly cancer. Other dangerous Chemicals found in the emissions are • mercury (Hg) • radioactive nucleoids. btn - Clean Coal - Behind the News (3 mins)
|
1.8) The Law of Conservation of Energy
|
a) Watch this video and summarise the information provided. Please make sure the for the second energy type, identify it as Gravitational Potential Energy!!!!!
b) Complete the worksheet 1.8) The Law of Conservation of Energy and Energy Efficiency which has two additional tasks at the end of the worksheet i) Efficiency Worksheet ii) Australia's Energy Rating Labelling System Optional - Fun Interactive "Energy Changes" |
1.9) Energy for all Society
Task 2) Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Poster
Create TWO posters for each group of four students - one on Renewable Energy Sources and the second on Non-Renewable Energy Sources. These posters must address the following: a) definition of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources b) Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources c) Information on the Social, Ethical and Environmental issues associated with using these types of energy sources Below is a selection of resources that you can use to develop your knowledge of renewable and non- renewable responses Be CREATIVE and INFORMATIVE! Resources: 1) Renewable and non-renewable energy resources website 2) The non-renewable energy website 3) Information from CS5 Section 3.4.5) Non-renewables versus Renewables (pg 121 - 126) 4) A series of TED talks on "The End of Oil" |
|
There's a power revolution heading for our homes. It's home batteries – the key to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy |
Extension Task 1 - Write an extended response to the following question "Is it possible to provide all of Australia's Energy needs using only renewable sources?". Your response needs to be at least 300 words. or find your own to answer this question. In your response include the following:
1) a list of non-renewable resources 2) a list of renewable resources available in Australia 3) brief description about each resource. |
Extension Task 2) What is Magnetism?
Find out the answer to this question from the website "Magnetism for kids" and summarise the information into your exercise books. Only read to the end of the section on "Explaining Magnetism with the Domain Theory" |
Additional Resources
1) You Have the Power Game
The decision is yours! Choose the energy resources—and how much of each—you will use to provide electricity to your community. Be sure to stay within your budget, think about using renewable resources, and pay attention to how your decisions impact the people who live there. You have the power to power the community! |