Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Geneva, New York • July 29, 2007 - August 3, 2007
2007 CURRENT ISSUE
• INTRODUCTION
• LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• REFERENCES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
"Alternative/Renewable Energy"
GOAL:
Students will comprehend long term and short term environmental, social, and economic
considerations of energy production and usage.
ACTIVITIES:
• Students will research, compare and contrast traditional and emerging energy production
resources and applications; focusing on the environmental implications of such production.
• Students will relate energy systems to corresponding natural resources in New York State.
• Students will identify the organizations (and their roles) and the processes involved in making energy decisions
in New York and globally.
• Students will describe the interactions among society, technology, and use of energy sources.
• Students will identify technologies created as a result of society's concern for dwindling non-renewable energy
resources (e.g., electric cars, biodiesel).
OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to evaluate appropriate energy resource choices for a specific
application.
UNDERSTANDINGS AND TOPICS OF INVESTIGATION: TASKS
I. Traditional energy uses and production
1. Identify and understand the traditional sources of energy generation of:
A. Electricity
1. hydropower
2. fossil fuel
3. nuclear energy
B. Natural gas
C. Fossil fuels (vehicles)
2. Assess environmental impacts of the above
A. Consumption of resources
B. By- products (emissions/ waste)
C. Impacts on ecosystems
3. Assess social and economic factors and implications:
A. Infrastructure
B. Environmental justice
C. Conservation practices
D. Organizations and agencies active in energy policy decision making
E. Design of energy distribution systems
II. Emerging energy technologies
1. Identify and understand sources and applications of renewable energy
A. Solar
B. Wind generation
C. Biomass
D. Geothermal
E. Hydrogen
F. Ocean (Tidal) generation
G Ethanol/Methanol/methane
2. Assess the environmental impacts of the above.
A. Consumption of resources
B. By- products (emissions/ waste)
C. Impacts on surrounding ecosystems
3. Assess social and economic factors and implications of the above:
A. Infrastructure
B. Environmental justice
C. Conservation practices
D. Organizations and agencies active in energy policy decision making
E. Design of energy distribution systems
III Energy Issues Related to other Canon Envirothon Study Areas:
1. Soils:
A. Identify and understand issues of traditional and innovative energy sources related
to
1. agricultural and forested lands
2. soil erosion control
2. Aquatics:
A. Identify and understand issues of traditional and innovative energy sources related
to:
1. fish habitat and reproduction
2. changes in flow rates and water levels
3. biodiversity
4. groundwater/aquifer resources
3. Forestry:
A. Identify and understand issues of traditional and innovative energy sources related
to:
1. biofuels
2. species diversity – plant and animal
3. pests and pesticides
4. forest management practices
4. Wildlife:
A. Identify and understand issues of traditional and innovative energy sources to:
1. migratory bird flyways
2. habitat loss/degradation
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