National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Renewable Sources: Solar
Solar energy is an appealing alternative to conventional sources of energy because it produces no greenhouse gases. An overview of its advantages and disadvantages is presented here.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Our Energy Sources
The many sources of energy production in the United States are described in this overview. Included are traditional sources, renewable sources, and new energy production technologies.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Renewable Sources: Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power has been a major source of energy production in the United States. More recently, other alternative energy sources have taken some of its market share. Hydroelectricity has both advantages and disadvantages, briefly...
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Wind Program: Wind Powering America: Maps
An interactive map of the United States that gives information about each state's wind power potential.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A 40 Year Plan for Energy
In this intimate talk filmed at TED's offices, energy innovator Amory Lovins shows how to get the US off oil and coal by 2050, $5 trillion cheaper, with no Act of Congress, led by business for profit. The key is integrating all four...
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Energy Sources of the World [Ppt]
Learn about the many different energy resources available from our Earth. Find out the pros and cons of each type: both renewable and nonrenewable.
Other
It's Not a Pipe Dream: Clean Energy From Water Pipes Comes to Portland
A Portland, Oregon-based startup that launched in 2007, is starting to capture the energy of water pipes, beginning with a pilot project in Riverside, California and now with a full-scale project in Portland.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Renewable Sources: Wind
The status of wind energy production in the United States is described, with the advantages and disadvantages of this alternative energy source.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Renewable Sources: Biomass
The pros and cons of harnessing energy from biomass are outlined. Biomass refers to biological materials that are used to produce energy. Wood and manure are examples of biomass.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Emerging Technologies: Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cell technology as a source for energy production are outlined. There is still much to be done in research and development before this energy source can be marketed widely.
Other
Wbur: New England's Electric Power Grid Is Undergoing a Transformation
This article discusses New England's developing hybrid power grid, a network that relies on a variety of energy resources, including fuels and alternative energy sources and technologies. The ongoing transformation to renewable energy is...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: The Habitable Planet: Energy Challenges
With this resource, users join investigators in the exploration of humans' use of and dependence on the many energy resources. Learn about new technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration as an alternative to reduce our carbon...
National Geographic
National Geographic: Natural Gas: A Cleaner Energy Solution?
For this activity, students read informational text on natural gas and compare it to other fossil fuels for its greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. They then prepare a pro or con position on whether natural gas is good...
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Be an Energy Saver
This instructional activity focuses on the scarce and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels in order to stimulate student thinking about energy conservation. It emphasizes the fact that saving energy can be good for the wallet as well as...
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Photovoltaics
Article explaining what photovoltaic cells are, their role in solar energy, how they work, how electricity is produced, and applications of this technology. (Published: April 24, 2010)
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Biodiesel: The Afterlife of Oil
Natascia Radice describes the process of turning used cooking oil into useful biodiesel. [4:15]
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Energy Challenges
Read about the challenges of global energy use and consumption, and what solutions exist for today's engineers.
Energy for Sustainable Development
Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Facts
A collection of facts about energy use broken down into various topic areas, e.g., health impact of fossil fuels, transportation, energy consumption, alternative energies, etc.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Noise Pollution: Wind Power
Discusses wind energy, how it is created, its history, benefits, negative effects, and what the future holds for this alternative energy source.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Emerging Technologies: Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are in use today but pose challenges to widespread distribution. One of the challenges is to develop a battery that can hold enough energy for longer trips. Various solutions are being tried but mass marketing of this...
EL Education
El Education: Alternative Energy Report
This report was created by 7th and 8th grade students in Vergennes, Vermont, as part of a Learning expedition called "Reducing the Carbon Footprint." The building manager met with a team of approximately 40 students as they investigated...
Climate Literacy
Clean: Fueling the Future: Evaluating the Sustainability of Biofuels
Students consider the impact and sustainability of use of different biofuels on the economy, the environment, and society. Students also learn about bioelectricity and how converting biomass to electricity may be the more efficient way...
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Hydropower
Learn the history of the use of hydroelectricity, and find out how it works to convert water power into electrical power.
Other
Fuel Our Future Now: Grade 9 12 Module: Vehicle Design Virtual Lab [Pdf]
Students act as a community of STEM research professionals, working together to solve energy efficiency problems in today's vehicles. Students then design and test vehicles that are suitable for different consumer needs based on...