Prior to the implementation of this section, students have studied platetechtonics, energy cycles and atomic structure. This section brings their learning together for the study of alternative energy sources. Students have completed Internet searches for information on energy sources and then composed 250 word themes that summarized their learning; including benefits and disadvantages of each souce. Students will collaborate in groups to cover one alternative energy source in depth and present their information orally to the class. As a class, students will determine the best energy source that could be used at the school. Students will summarize the information gained by preparing a statement about the advantages and disadvantages to the economy of either renewable or nonrenewable resources). Students will create a plan for reducing water or air pollution in school, work and at home.

Scientists in different disciplines ask different questions, use different methods of investigation, and accept different types of evidence to support their explanations. Many scientific investigations require the contributions of individuals from different disciplines, including engineering. New disciplines of science, such as geophysics and biochemistry often emerge at the interface of two older disciplines. Science often advances with the introduction of new technologies. Solving technological problems often results in new scientific knowledge. New technologies often extend the current levels of scientific understanding and introduce new areas of research. Creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are all required in the work of science and engineering. Science and technology are pursued for different purposes. Scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world, and technological design is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems. Technology, by its nature, has a more direct effect on society than science because its purpose is to solve human problems, help humans adapt, and fulfill human aspirations. Technological solutions may create new problems. Science, by its nature, answers questions that may or may not directly influence humans. Sometimes scientific advances challenge people's beliefs and practical explanations concerning various aspects of the world.

Students must have completed research on the alternative energy sources. Students should have some instruction on collaboration and discussion techniques.

The instructor will place students together in small groups and assign each group to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of one of the alternative energy sources. Students should present their summary orally to the class. Students will then write 150 word essay. Finally, the instructor should fascilitate a discussion where the entire class discusses the characteristics of their area to determine which energy source would be best. It is not necessary to the class to reach a consensus, but they should be able to apply their knowledge to a real situation.

Informal assessment techniques should be used by the instructor as students work together in collaborative teams and then present their information to the class. As a formal assessment, students will write an essay that summarizes their understanding of the alternative energy sources. The instructor should check student work for scientific accuracy as well as writing quality. A class discussion should occur where students share their ideas, taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantanges of each alternative energy source to determine the best alternative for their area; homes and school. Student Self Evaluation Form Your Name:___________________________________________________________ Alternative Energy Source: _______________________________________________ Brief description of presentation: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Would your energy source work well in our area? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Group Strengths: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Group Weakness: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Self Evaluation (comments or suggestions to help YOU improve): ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Students will work in small groups to complete a list of the benefits and disadvantages to each energy source and to determine which source would be most practical for their homes and school. Student will share their lists and a master list will be created for the class listing all the benefits and disadvantages of each source. Students will discuss their findings, defining and defending their possitions as the class works together to determine the best source for their area. Students will summarize the information in a 150 word summary about the advantages and disadvantages to the economy of either renewable or nonrenewable resources.