Unit 6 Energy

6.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

6.1a Describe identifying the differences between nonrenewable and renewable energy sources.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Module 34; Chapter 13, Module 40

6.2 Global Energy Consumption

6.2a Describe the trends in energy consumption between developed and developing countries and how fossil fuels are the most widely used source of energy globally.
6.2b Describe increased reliance developing countries have on fossil fuels as they become more developed. Describe the factors that influence which energy sources people use.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Modules 34 and 35; Chapter 13, Module 37

6.3 Fuel Types and Uses

6.3a Identify and describe the different types of fuels such as wood, charcoal, peat, and the three different types of coals such as lignite, bituminous, and anthracite.
6.3b Describe how crude oil can be recovered from tar sands, the cleanest fuel, and cogeneration. Explain how fossil fuels are made into specific fuel types.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Modules 35 and 35

6.4 Distribution of Natural Energy Resources

6.4a Describe the global patterns of distribution of natural energy sources, as well as the geologic conditions under which these sources form.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Modules 35 and 36

6.5 Fossil Fuels

6.5a Explain the process of combustion of fossil fuels and describe how burning them allows for the production of electricity.
6.5b Explain the variety of methods humans use to extract fossil fuels from the earth for the generation of energy and electricity.
6.5c Explain the process of hydrologic fracturing in more detail and describe the effects of this process on the air, land, and water resources.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Modules 35 and 36

6.6 Nuclear Power

6.6a Describe the steps of how nuclear energy generates electricity and other outputs of nuclear power generation.
6.6b Describe the environmental issues caused by radioactive isotopes and the disposal of nuclear waste left over from the generation of nuclear energy.
6.6c Describe the half-life of radioactive elements. Case studies of past nuclear accidents will be discussed and analyzed.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Module 36

6.7 Energy from Biomass

6.7a Describe the use of biomass in developing countries and the environmental costs associated with their use.
6.7b Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using biofuels as a substitute for gasoline.
Textbook correlation Chapter 13, Module 38

6.8 Solar Energy

6.8a Identify three types of solar energy transformations and explain how each can best be utilized to meet global energy needs.
6.8b Investigate trends in data for solar energy in order to draw conclusions.
Textbook correlation Chapter 13, Module 39

6.9 Hydroelectric Power

6.9a Explain how moving water can be utilized to produce electricity in reservoirs, rivers, and the ocean.
6.9b Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using hydroelectricity from an economic and environmental angle.
Textbook correlation Chapter 9, Module 27; Chapter 13, Module 38

6.10 Geothermal Energy

6.10a Explain how electricity is generated from geothermal energy and the environmental consequences of its use.
Textbook correlation Chapter 13, Module 39

6.11 Hydrogen Fuel Cell

6.11a Explain how a hydrogen fuel cell functions to produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.
6.11b Describe the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source based on its environmental and economic impacts.
Textbook correlation Chapter 13, Module 39

6.12 Wind Energy

6.12a Describe the energy conversions in producing electricity from wind and describe the consequences of utilizing wind energy.
Textbook correlation Chapter 13, Module 39

6.13 Energy Conservation

6.13a Describe methods for conserving energy on an individual scale and from a larger policy perspective.
6.13b Describe accurately performing calculations to find rates of energy use and conservation.
Textbook correlation Chapter 12, Module 34; Chapter 13, Modules 37 and 40