BOOKS: The following resources are located in our school media center. Skim the titles and summaries for keywords that may help you locate the best titles for your project. |
| |
| 333.95 BIO 
|
Biomass: Energy From Plants and Animals
|
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces biomass energy, including information about ethanol, by tracing its history and development. Opposing viewpoints on biomass issues are presented, such as its effect on the environment and whether it could eradicate hunger or lead to starvation. Future possibilities are discussed. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
621.44 GEO
|
Geothermal Power |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces the topic of geothermal power by tracing its history and development. Opposing viewpoints on geothermal issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and excellent visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
333.88 SHE
|
Geothermal Power by Josepha Sherman |
published by Capstone Press in 2004 |
from the "Fact Finders: Energy at Work" series |
This easy to read text takes a complicated topic and makes it interesting to an energy novice. Advantage and disadvantages concerning this energy source are highlighted. There are many color photographs and fact boxes to enhance the information presented. Extension activities are provided that involve hands-on exposure to create better understanding. Suggested Internet sites are listed in the back of the book. (This is a modified summary taken from a series review found in "Library Media Connection" - October 2004.)
|
665.81 HYD
|
Hydrogen |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title
examines the development and viability of hydrogen technology. The pros and cons of hydrogen issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed. The variety of viewpoints presented adds to the richness of this resource. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
333.793 HAY
|
Hydrogen Power of the Future by Chris Hayhurst |
published by Rosen Publishing Group in 2003 |
from "The Library of Future Energy" series |
In this book, you will learn about the pros and cons of using hydrogen power to help fight air pollution and meet our growing demand for electricity. A very easy to use table of contents appears in the front of this title. The visuals will help you connect familiar images to hydrogen use. The larger font throughout the text makes it easy to read. At the end of the book, a number of contacts are listed to provide a way for you to seek more information from additional resources.
|
333.7924 PAR
|
Nuclear Energy by Steve Parker |
published by Gareth Stevens Publishing in 2004 |
from the "Science Files: Energy" series |
This book offers accurate, accessible information about nuclear energy. Numerous subdivisions help to break the text into easy to read sections. Pros and cons of using nuclear energy are addressed as are famous disasters that have occurred like Chernobyl. Illustrations range from color photos to cutaways and other diagrams. Related environmental and health issues are addressed in a balanced way. A reading list, websites, and glossary are included. (This is a modified summary taken from a series review found in "Horn Book " - October 2004.)
|
333.7924 SHE
|
Nuclear Power by Josepha Sherman |
published by Capstone Press in 2004 |
from the "Fact Finders: Energy at Work" series |
This easy to read text takes a complicated topic and makes it interesting to an energy novice. Advantage and disadvantages concerning this energy source are highlighted. There are many color photographs and fact boxes to enhance the information presented. Extension activities are provided that involve hands-on exposure to create better understanding. Suggested Internet sites are listed in the back of the book. (This is a modified summary taken from a series review found in "Library Media Connection" - October 2004.)
|
333.7924 NUC
|
Nuclear Power |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces nuclear power by tracing its history and development. Opposing viewpoints on nuclear power issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed to forecast how well nuclear energy could provide power for humanity. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
333.79 SAU
|
Renewable Energy by Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman |
published by Raintree in 2004 |
from the "Energy Essentials: Raintree Freestyle" series |
This title is written to be appealing to any reader, even if you are a reluctant one. Sentences are simple, direct, and use very approachable language. Fact boxes, sidebars, and photographs with captions create strong visuals that will increase comprehension for any reader. Important science vocabulary is defined on the bottom of each page. Solar power, biomass, ethanol, wind energy, water/hydroelectric energy, tidal power, and wave power are all discussed and explained briefly in this comprehensive work. (This is a modified summary taken from a series review found in "Library Media Connection " - March 2005.)
|
621.47 SOL
|
Solar Power |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces solar power by tracing its history and development. Opposing viewpoints on solar power issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed to forecast how well solar energy could provide power for humanity. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
333.914 WAT
|
Water |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces energy created from water related resources by tracing the history and development. Opposing viewpoints on water power issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed to forecast how well water could provide power for mankind. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults.
|
333.92 WIN
|
Wind |
published by Greenhaven Press in 2007 |
from the "Fueling the Future" series |
This title introduces wind power by tracing the history and development. Opposing viewpoints on wind energy issues are presented. Future possibilities are discussed to forecast how well wind could provide power for humanity. A chronology, summary of facts, glossary, index, and numerous visuals make this an easy to use resource full of great information for young adults. |
The following websites cover information about a variety of alternative energy resources. Some websites may deal specifically with one particular energy resource while others may cover multiple energy topics. Skim the titles and summaries for keywords that may help you locate the best websites for your project. Links provided within the summaries are highlights from each website. The sites with a specific energy resource focus are located at the top of this list. General energy resources providing information about multiple energy topics are near the bottom of the list.
|
Hydropower Today |
sponsored by the Hydro Research Foundation |
|
Useful for student or teacher inquiries, this website offers basic information about hydroelectric power. It discusses benefits as well as limitations. You also might enjoy trying to test your "Hydro IQ" using the quiz link provided under the section titled "Hydropower Today." Under this same section you will find additional "Hydro Links" that will connect you to more resources about water power.
|
Facts About Hydropower |
sponsored by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company; last updated 9/7/04 |
|
Easy to understand graphs make this website a good one for young adults to use in order to develop a better understanding about hydropower. A description of hydropower is offered along with explanations about effects on the environment, and cost. A link provided at the top of the page will take you to another webpage titled, "How Hydropower Works." Here you can find information about hydroelectric power plants. A colored diagram explains how a hydroelectric plant works.
|
Geothermal Energy |
sponsored by the Geothermal Education Office; copyright 1997-2001 |
|
For a clearly written, excellent description of geothermal terminology and facts, this is it! Start with the introductory "Geothermal Energy Facts." Then, continue on to the "Geothermal Slide Show" where you will be able to access visuals to help you create a better understanding about where geothermal energy is found and how it is used. With additional resource links provided as well, this is definitely a useful tool for the young adult researcher.
|
The Plus Side of Volcanoes: Geothermal Energy |
sponsored by
the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, WA; last updated 1/3/06 |
|
This page highlights specific volcanoes which supply various areas with energy. Information is brief and therefore easy for young adults to manage even though there is some difficult technical vocabulary. Some points (quotes from other resources) seem important only to scientists, but others are quite interesting.
For instance, you can learn that the Geysers geothermal field near Santa Rosa, in Northern California, produces enough electricity to meet the power demands of San Francisco. The Geysers area is the largest geothermal development in the world.
|
Nuclear Energy Institute |
sponsored by the Nuclear Energy Institute; copyright 2007 |
|
Written for a confident reader, the website opens the door to a wealth of information about nuclear energy. It is considered to be a type of "clean air energy." If you are concerned about the safety issues surrounding nuclear energy generation, you will find articles explaining what regulations are in place currently. This website is geared toward the promotion of nuclear energy. Make sure to look for various viewpoints when researching this topic.
|
Investigating Wind Energy |
sponsored by The Franklin Institute: Resources for Science Learning; copyright 2007 |
|
To better understand the foundation of wind energy, examine the four exploratory activities provided at this website along with your classroom teacher. The activities offered build on one another, so it is a good idea to work through them sequentially. If you do, you will have the opportunity to create a windmill of your own. This site is best used as a preliminary resource before you embark on your class poster project. Manipulatives and supplies are required to complete the activities. Check with your teacher to see what is available for you to use.
|
If not wind . . . |
sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association; copyright 1996-2007 |
|
Here you can discover what wind energy is, how it impacts wildlife, and what myths surround its use. Geared toward confident readers, this site will explain everything you might want to know about wind energy, wind turbines, and wind power plants. Diagrams, pictures, and photographs enhance the text and will better your comprehension of the information presented. The section titled "Wind Energy 101" will guide you through the basics, the potential, and the economics of wind energy.
|
Energy Information Administration |
sponsored by EIA (Energy Information Administration) |
|
The EIA is a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. Their mission is to promote sound policy making and public understanding regarding energy and its impact on both the economy and environment. For good yet easy to read explanations about solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro, ocean, and hydrogen power resources, visit the "Energy Kid's Page" link. For more confident readers, explore additional information at the "Renewable and Alternative Fuels" link where you will find sections which discuss ethanol, wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy sources.
|
Energy Resources |
| Created by Andy Darvill, a science teacher at Broadoak Community School in Weston-super-Mare, England; last updated December 1, 2006 |
|
Designed by a teacher, this website provides very basic and easy to read information about how nuclear, solar, wind, tidal, hydro, wave, geothermal, and biomass power work. Advantages and disadvantages are also addressed for each of the energy resource types. Also included are diagrams and illustrations with a quiz to test knowledge at the end of each article. Links at the top of each article provide readers with simple keyword navigation.
|
Energy Quest Room |
sponsored by the California Energy Commission; copyright 1994-2007 |
|
While this website may seem a bit kid-like to you, it is full of excellent energy information. You should specifically explore the "Energy Story" which is laid out in chapters. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to view chapter titles and select the energy resource or resources you are most interested in learning about. Chapters that might be of most interest to you include ones focusing on biomass, geothermal, hydro, nuclear, ocean, solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. Photographs and diagrams make the "Energy Story" resource easy to use and understand. Should you wish to explore the other resources available, you will find video clips and so much more.
|
Clean Energy: Energy 101 |
sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists; page last updated 11/1/06 |
|
Check out the contents listing on the right hand side of the screen. There you will find links to information about wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, and wind energy. In addition, you will find links to the costs, benefits, and barriers to renewable energy resources. This site works best for a confident reader. While information is nicely displayed and includes visuals, some of the technical vocabulary can be intimidating.
|
| |
333.79 ALT
|
|
VIDEORECORDING - Located in the GMS Media Center (ask at the circulation desk) |
published by Raintree Steck-Vaughn in 2000 |
"Alternative energy sources are presented favorably in this excellent video outlining seven types of power. It contains short news reports by CNN on wind power, giant windmills, solar roofing, fuel cells, fuel cell cars, methane hydrate (ice that contains methane gas) from the ocean floor, and geothermal use in Iceland. Use of alternative energy sources in other countries is explored briefly and contrasted with the United States. Explanations of how each source works and its effect on the environment are conveyed simply and clearly. Most compelling are some of the reasons why alternative energy is not more widespread, such as the high cost of production. Reporting of the benefits and disadvantages of specific energy sources is well-balanced and appropriate
. . . ." This video is intended for use with young adults and does an excellent job of describing various alternative energy resources. (This is a portion of a summary taken from a review found in "School Library Journal " - November 2001.)
|
|
Renewable Energy Field Trips |
|
| |
Created by Lola Deets, Carla Torgerson, and Chris Majerik through a project funded by the Schreiner Institute for Teaching Excellence and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; copyright 2006 |
| |
Through these field trip experiences, young adults of varying ages can gain an understanding about renewable energy and why we should reduce our dependence on energy from fossil fuels. You will be able to actively experience field trip segments focusing on wind, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, biofuel, and methane energy resources. Embedded video segments will transport you around the United States where renewable energy resources are being used to generate electricity. The video clips within this website require Macromedia Flash Player and may take some time to load depending on the computer being used.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| **See Mrs. Miller or Mrs. Watkins for a username and password. This may be used at home or at school. |
| |
created and developed by Facts on File with a copyright of 2007 |
| |
This is an excellent resource for any eighth grade student working on a science project. It provides a great starting place for basic information on thousands of science topics. If you have not used this resource before, take a moment after logging into the database to "walk" through the provided demos. One will take about 9 minutes and offers sample searches. The other may take up to 4 minutes. You can select the demo that is best for you. When you are ready, refer back to the suggested keywords found in this pathfinder. Keep them in mind as you enter the database and begin your search for information using the "Basic Search" box that appears at the top of the window.
If you were to type "biomass" into the search box, for example, you would see a list of 128 results including articles from numerous science reference resources. You should skim through the results. See which article titles best match your needs. Also look at the reference book title for each article. This may help you better determine which articles will provide the most useful information. Once you have selected an article you wish to explore, click on the article title to view it.
|
|
Middle Search Plus (EBSCO Host) |
|
**See Mrs. Miller or Mrs. Watkins in the GMS Media Center for an instructional INSPIRE handout that will help you access and search this database. |
| |
This database is offered free to anyone living in Indiana through the INSPIRE website. You may use this at school or apply for a username and password to be sent to your home. Always talk to an adult in your household before entering personal information online if you wish to apply for a username and password. |
| |
This database is specifically designed to assist middle school students in finding periodical articles about virtually every subject imaginable. Review the keywords and keywords SEARCH TIPS found in this pathfinder as you prepare to begin your search.
If you were to type "biomass" in the search box for this database after following the directions on the handout from the media center, you would access 1290 articles relating to biomass. It would be a good idea to look through a number of specific results before opening an article. Look at the article title, magazine title, and Lexile if provided for each article. You should focus on familiar news magazines (i.e. Time and Newsweek) or environmental magazines rather than special reports (i.e. GAO Reports). The most current articles are listed first. Current articles will provide you with the most up-to-date information for your project.
|
FOR STUDENTS : The following resources and ideas may be useful to 8th grade students when studying alternative energy resources. |
|
Inform an Adult |
|
Access a copy of the cover story titled "Is Ethanol the Answer?" from the February 12, 2007 issue of U.S. News and World Report. A print copy is located in the GMS Media Center. You may also access this article through INSPIRE via the "Middle Search Plus" database. |
|
Talk with your family about the merits of ethanol (a biomass resource) as an fuel alternative. Ask them how they feel about current gas prices. Could ethanol ever significantly impact the fuel industry? Why or why not? Will ethanol cause the cost of corn to rise? Will we save money when it is all said and done by switching to ethanol? This is a hot topic on current news programs.
|
| |
 |
The Hindenburg Disaster |
sponsored by Vidicom Media Productions |
http://www.vidicom-tv.com/tohiburg.htm
The photo on the left is found at this website. |
| |
View the slide show and video clip of the actual disaster found at this website. Read the description of the event. The Hindenburg was filled with hydrogen gas. There are those who are working to find ways to use hydrogen in automobiles. Would this pose any significant threats to drivers especially in the case of a car accident? Do a bit of research and see if this question has been answered.
|
|
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster |
sponsored by ValueClick, Inc. |
http://www.chernobyl.co.uk/
The photo on the left is from the Wikipedia article titled "Chernobyl disaster." |
| |
Read information found at this website about the Chernobyl nuclear power disaster, events leading up to the event, and the consequences of the disaster. Then, take the quiz provided to test your knowledge. Think about the lasting impact this has had on many people. What does it make you think about nuclear power?
|
