5.Alternative Energy

 

Just take your time and see what is going on here

 

I guess you’ll like this one!

Text Box: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/whatsenergy.html

 

 

 

 

In this activity, you are going to perform experiments using a solar cellJ and test a small solar powered car.  You will observe the physical power of light/heat absorption through a small free moving device with black and white panels. Then you will construct a battery-fan powered boat.

As the world's supply of fossil fuels is being used up, there is a need for new energy sources.  Adding to this need is the fact that the current use of fossil fuels causes pollution in the form of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, soot, and particulates.  Some of the alternatives that have been suggested are batteries (electricity), hydrogen fuel (fuel cells), solar panels (photovoltaic), ethanol, methanol, natural gas, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, and electric wind generators.  Methanol is made from natural gas, while ethanol is made by fermenting crop (primarily corn) starches and sugars.

 

 Geothermal energy is created when we force hot steam from the earth.  Scientists can also harness the energy from the ocean and its thermal

 

changes; this type of energy is classified as a biomass energy source.  Other, more common types of energy sources are electric wind and hydroelectric generators.

    

  All of these various types of fuels are in the form of either liquid, gas or electric energy.  Any of the alternatives listed above are much cleaner and healthier for us and our environment because they do not emit harmful gases or use valuable non-renewable resources.

 

     Electric cars have been around a lot longer than one would think – since the 1830’s.  In fact, there were more electric cars being used at the end of the 1800’s than there are in use today.  Electric cars have improved a lot since then; now, some cars can travel over 150 miles before having to be recharged.

Fuel cells, which act similar to a battery, are also being considered.  The cells are filled with hydrogen, methanol, phosphoric acid or molten carbonate salts and can store energy until it is needed.

 

     The more popular option today for car manufacturers is a hybrid type of vehicle.  This car is powered by an electric motor and another form of energy (gas, fuel cell, solar, etc.)

Solar powered cars have also been researched and manufactured to a very limited extent.  This type of car would transfer the sun’s energy trapped on a solar cell to an electrical battery used to power the automobile. 

 

 

More than ever before, auto manufacturers are spending a lot of time and money researching the alternative energy sources listed above.  Soon, this new technology will replace the use of non-renewable energy sources.

 

Text Box: Materials and Tools: Solar Panels, small Electronic motor, Various wooden parts, Light source, Eye protection, Notebook, motor(1), propeller (1), film canister(1), velcro or sticky backs (2), Battery holder(1), Batteries, AA(2 paper clip (1), Paper fasteners (2), Rubber bands (4), Dowel (1), Empty water bottles (2)  

 

Text Box: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/whatsenergy.html Instructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

5a. Energy

 

1.      Show mechanical energy and potential energy using the happy meal toy.

2.    Look at the potato clock – what makes it work?

 

5b. Power of Light

1.      Demonstrate the power of light with the radiometer.   Why does it spin?

2.    Solar cell and motor with blade “What can this be used for?”

 

3.    Count the rotations per minute with several distances of light sources.  (note distances and rpms on data report sheet)

 

5c. Battery Fan Boat

1.      Take a plastic deck and attach 2 empty water bottles with rubber bands for ballast.

2.    Use a sticky mount to attach a motor to the film canister

3.    Attach battery holder to the deck and attach 1 end of the wire lead to the motor wire (see figure on next page).

   4.     Attach the other end to a paper clip

5.    Attach 2nd wire from motor to a paper fastener for a switch that will complete a circuit when touching.

6.        Put 2 AA batteries in holder and test motor

7.       Mount the propeller on the motor shaft.  Note that the motor can turn either direction

8.       Test your electrical/propeller system.

9.       You may want to include a rudder with your boat, to ensure steering. A rudder can be a piece of dowel, and plastic, mounted through a hole in the deck, Operate the boat in the tub

 

 10. Answer the discussion questions

 

 

 

DISCUSSION:

 

1. Can your ship carry a cargo?

2. Can you control its direction?

3. How sturdy is it?


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information:

Several web sites are available for more

 information on alternative energy:

This experiment taken from

www.web.net/~sunwind/technology

·         Office of Transportation Technologies Kids’ Page

http://www.ott.doe.gov/kids.html

·         Clean Cities Web Site

http://www.ccities.doe.gov

·         Alter Fuels Data Cntr

http://www.afdc.doe.gov

·         AFV Resources

http://www3.cerritos.edu/atc/resources.htm

·         San Diego Clean Cities

http://www.sdrafvc.org

 

 

 

5. Alternative Energy Report Sheet

Group Name J____________________

 

5b. Power of Light

1.      Using the radiometer bulb. Write your data in the spaces below.

Answer the following questions: Why does it spin?

 

What makes it spin? 

 

Gravity?

 

Magnets?

 

Heat?

 

Magic?

 

What?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                             BACK