Part of an engineer's job involves determining what technologies are best suited for any given area and conditions. (Grades Examples: Petroleum, natural gas, coal. Review their answers to gauge their understanding of the data. 6), Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities. NREL delivers impactful scientific discoveries, innovations and insights that transform clean energy technologies, systems and markets. Enforcement. fossil fuel: A type of fuel formed by the decay and decomposition process of dead organisms buried in the Earth for millions of years. Use the Renewable Energy Living Lab to collect data on various energy forms. To solve this problem, we'll use real-world data hosted on a website called "a living lab.". Examples: Sunlight (solar energy), water (hydropower), geothermal, biomass. copyrightCopyright © (left) Idaho National Laboratory, (right) The White House https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1269&mode=2&featurestory=DA_531113 http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/22/resilient-and-sustainable-economies-gulf-coast. While examining the solar energy map, have students note how the colors indicate various levels of energy efficiency. NREL began operating July 5, 1977, as the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). (Grades Renewable Energy Lab Experiments Directions: Click on the"Experiment Title" link to the lab that you wish to preview. Energy Experts Engage: After students complete the ENGAGE section on the Energy Experts Worksheet, a written brainstorming opportunity, have them share with a partner so all voices are heard in the room. Note the "How It Works" hot link.copyrightCopyright © 2012 Renewable Energy Living Lab, Colorado School of Mines. A basic understanding of map reading and ability to navigate the internet. Working in small groups, they examine maps and make calculations using NREL/US DOE data from the online Renewable Energy Living Lab. For something we use every day, energy is a pretty mysterious concept. Materials. hydropower: Power created from the movement (falling) of water. The expendable cost is the estimated cost of supplies needed for each group of students involved in the activity. Go to http://www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/renewable_energy/ and click to enter the Renewable Energy Living Lab. All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment. 6 - From where does renewable energy come? Partial Design Process These resources engage students in some of the steps in the engineering design process, (Grades Follow the instructions below to get started! Although no charge or fee is required for using TeachEngineering curricular materials in your classroom, the lessons and activities often require material supplies. Biomass used for electricity generation varies widely by region. The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Point out the various units and color keys. 3 - (Grades We will look at real-world data acquired from the Department of Energy National Laboratories. Students become familiar with the online Renewable Energy Living Lab interface and access its real-world solar energy data to evaluate the potential for solar generation in various U.S. locations. When designing systems to produce or transmit sustainable energy, or power, engineers look at opportunities to harness renewable resources such as wind, sunlight, biofuels (plant materials), geothermal heat and flowing water (dams, currents, tides), which are naturally replenished. Identify three sites for each renewable energy plant: solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, hydropower and biomass energy. Curriculum. The collection is organized into three main “lessons”—each with its own set of brief and engaging videos and assessment questions that cover key areas of energy … 8), Throughout history, new technologies have resulted from the demands, values, and interests of individuals, businesses, industries, and societies. This activity is designed around the Renewable Energy Living Lab, a resource of current and real-world scientific data, in this case a culmination of available renewable energy data from across the U.S. Environmental Science, General Science, Chemistry. Is the resource available in the area where we need it? Students use real-world data to evaluate whether solar power is a viable energy alternative for several cities in different parts of the U.S. Students use real-world data to evaluate whether solar power is a viable energy alternative for several cities in different parts of the U.S. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. Plan Time. Students analyze real-world data for five types of renewable energy, as found on the online Renewable Energy Living Lab. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. The Renewable Energy Living Lab gives students a chance to access the same data that is used by scientists and engineers to evaluate U.S. renewable energy sources. 5), The management of waste produced by technological systems is an important societal issue. Check the boxes under the Resources folder (located on the left under the Data Layers tab) to switch between the maps depicting the potential for the five different forms of renewable hydropower, biomass, geothermal, wind and solar. Use maps to analyze the potential for generating various types of renewable energy. Many natural resources are nonrenewable on human timescales, while others can be renewed or recycled Through this activity, students and teachers gain familiarity with the living lab's GIS graphic interfa... Students use real-world data to evaluate whether solar power is a viable energy alternative for several cities in different parts of the U.S. WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (TNSRes) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory issued the following web feature:The ocean-waves on the water, currents beneath the surface, and winds above the water-offers a wealth of energy potential. Point out the legend under the Legend tab. Thanks for your feedback! 6 - DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. within type by subtype, then by grade, etc. For example, if a student found a speed of 7.0 m/s on the map, that would correlate to a density of 400 W/m2. (Grades To solve this problem, we'll use real-world data hosted on a website called "a living lab. [Last Name] 1 Alternative Energy Lab 1.) Alternative Energy Researchers transmit energy with laser in ‘historic’ power-beaming demonstration By Emanuel Cavallaro, Corporate Communications, U.S. technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards. Any reusable equipment that is necessary to teach the activity is not included in this estimate; see the Materials List/Supplies for details. Give students time to explore the living lab before they begin to analyze data. The Energy Lab includes a collection of eight short videos that cover basic energy topics. MS-ETS1-1. Renewable Energy Online encourages people to become scientifically informed to overcome the challenges associated with harnessing different types of renewable energy. Dams are often used to create hydropower that can be converted to electricity. If you’re thinking of buying anything for your lab, this is the unit to get. Provide each pair of partners with an opportunity to present their solutions to another group. Describe the difference between wind turbines and solar panels. 6 - ", Pair students to work together. The Renewable Energy Living Lab gives students a chance to evaluate U.S. renewable energy sources. Learn more about the unique, industrial energy lab. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. How much is there? Sandia National Laboratories has advanced research in renewable energy since the 1970s. Free K-12 standards-aligned STEM curriculum for educators everywhere. Varies by activity. Students use real-world data to evaluate the feasibility of solar energy and other renewable energy sources in different U.S. locations. 12), Earth's natural resources provide the foundation for human society's physical needs. Divide the class into groups of two students each. www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/csm_powershool_activity1, Search curriculum by Common Core standards, http://www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/renewable_energy/, Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation, Power Your School Worksheet Example Answers (pdf), Power Your School Worksheet Example Answers (docx), Renewable Energy Living Lab: Energy Priorities, Renewable Energy Living Lab: The Bright Idea, Renewable Energy Living Lab: Exploring Regional Resources, http://www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/index.php. renewable energy: Energy obtained from natural resources that are continually replenished, for example, regardless of how much of the Sun's heat energy is "used" today, more is received by the Earth tomorrow. Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions. Renewable Energy Living Lab: Smart Solar. a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org). Glassdoor has 354 National Renewable Energy Lab reviews submitted anonymously by National Renewable Energy Lab employees. Direct students to discuss their ideas with their partners. biomass: Biological (organic) material from living or dead organisms (especially plants) used as an energy source. 8), Requirements for design are made up of criteria and constraints. Renewable Energy Living Lab: Smart Solar. Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions. 6 - For upper grades, have students explore the other resources as well as utilize different reference data. MS-ETS1-1. After this activity, students should be able to: Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, 6), computer with internet access (or printed or projected renewable energy potential maps as found on the Renewable Energy Living Lab website). (Grade Do you agree with this alignment? It is rare that students have access to query such as extensive body of scientific data to support their own inquiry-based questions. Examples: Sunlight (solar energy), water (hydropower), geothermal, biomass. 8), Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems. Visit the "How It Works" link to explore the engineering involved. (Grades This table is given under the Wind Speed Offshore icon in the lower left corner, but for easy accessibility it is provided below. Students can just round and estimate if numbers fall in between (i.e., do not have to interpolate to get the density). Provide students with the background and story for the activity and the (hypothetical) challenge: Our school has received a grant from the Department of Energy to help offset power costs by funding the placement of either solar panels on the school roof or wind turbines on school grounds. Through this activity, students and teachers gain familiarity with the living lab's GIS graphic interfa... A basic understanding of map reading and ability to navigate the internet. 6 - 8), Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems. (Grades Which renewable energy source would produce best at your school? Students become familiar with the online Renewable Energy Living Lab interface and access its real-world solar energy data to evaluate the potential for solar generation in various U.S. locations. As an introduction to renewable energy, review the descriptive paragraphs about each energy source on the page. 6), The design process is a purposeful method of planning practical solutions to problems. Daniel Tabas joined the REAL lab as a PhD student in the fall of 2018 after receiving his B.S. Sites should be within a reasonable driving distance, 200 miles, of an international airport. All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), For wind power, they must convert from watts per square meter (W/m2) to kilowatt-hours per square meters per year (kW/m2/year) in order to answer worksheet question 3. Activity, High School The lab’s director, Dr. Valentin Soloiu, is the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. Review the worksheet with the class by reading it aloud. However, you must work within some constraints, as in real life. geothermal energy: Thermal (heat) energy from heat present under the Earth's surface. Here are a few examples: We will learn more about renewable energy potential sources using the Renewable Energy Living Lab in the next few class periods. biomass: Biological (organic) material from living or dead organisms (especially plants) used as an energy source. Why do we need to generate electrical energy? Using the map, have students answer the data analysis worksheet questions: Describe the amount of solar energy that is received by your school. Thanks for your feedback! Activity, Copyright © 2012 Renewable Energy Living Lab, Colorado School of Mines, Copyright © 2016 Renewable Energy Living Lab, Colorado School of Mines. Commercial wind turbine manufacturers need Renewable Energy engineers for all aspects of the wind turbine generation process, including; site research and public education, as well as logistics for manufacturing, transport, erecting and maintaining these gigantic systems. Outside of academics, Daniel enjoys skiing, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. As an introduction to renewable energy, review the descriptive paragraphs about each energy source the page. Renewable energy is a hot topic in science today. Many natural resources are nonrenewable on human timescales, while others can be renewed or recycled Additional background information is provided in the living lab interface including source information used to compile the data. How much is there/how much power potential? How much power potential? Research that increases the resilience of renewable energy. (Grades Have students summarize the results and conclusions of their analyses as recommendations (last worksheet section). This, along with their worksheet answers, reveals their level of comprehension, Teacher resources: http://www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/renewable_energy/educators.php. 9 - A former solar energy experiment site has become KIT Energy Lab 2.0, a testing ground for renewable energy. This means that the DOE will help our school pay for a renewable energy system. Thanks for your feedback! Before they dive into the data, ask students to think about what types of information they will need in order to solve this problem. The data is available in a database with a graphical interface using a scaling map for viewing of regions as large as the continental U.S. and as small as a town. Time Required: 1 hours 30 minutes 9 - Renewable Energy Living Lab: Power Your School. Free K-12 standards-aligned STEM curriculum for educators everywhere. Subject Areas: (Grades Direct students to study the maps to find areas with high potential to develop solar, geothermal, wind, hydro and biomass energy. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently announced the launch of the new Cybersecurity Program Office (CPO). They identify the best and worst locations for production of each form of renewable energy, and then make recommendations for which type that state should pursue. That's right, renewable energy comes from natural resources such as wind, plant material (wood), water (rivers, tides, dams), geothermal (underground) and sunlight—and is naturally replenished. Give each group an. A brief description of wind energy, as found on the Renewable Energy Living Lab introduction page. Do you agree with this alignment? 8), Energy can be grouped into major forms: thermal, radiant, electrical, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, and others. Explain the difference between renewable, nonrenewable, and inexhaustible resources. Check their answers to gauge their level of understanding. S/he must multiply by the hours in a day and by the days in a year: 400 W/m2 x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 3500000 Wh/m2/year = 3500 kW/m2/yearTable 1-1 Classes of wind power density. Include both relative descriptions [that is class type] and numerical data [that is, 5.0 m/s]). Examples: Forest and wild plant growth (trees, branches, stumps), industrial wastes (such as from lumber and paper mills), urban waste (park trimmings, yard clippings, municipal solid waste, animal matter, sewage, food scraps), agricultural residues and fuel crops (corn, sugarcane, bamboo, hemp, wheat, straw, rice husks, grasses, algae, seaweed, animal fats, vegetable oils), etc. 6 - For lower grades, do the calculations as a class, rather than individually. Worksheet: Have students use the attached Power Your School Worksheet to guide the activity, which includes calculating the amount of solar and wind energy the school could potentially generate in one year. Building a wind turbine in an area with little wind would not be the best choice. Working in small groups, they examine maps and make calculations using NREL/US DOE data from the online Renewable Energy Living Lab. 6 - It is rare that students have access to query such as extensive body of scientific data to support their own inquiry-based questions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. (Grades Using the numerical data from worksheet questions 1 and 2, have students calculate the amount of solar and wind energy the school could possibly generate in one year, assuming the following conditions: Your school roof has a surface area of approximately 4,300 square meters; 50% of that space is useable space. Give students time to explore the living lab before they begin to analyze data. Each wind turbine has an area of approximately 1,000 m, Your units should be in kilowatt hours/year. Summary. The lab assists industry and research, while also providing RDC students with the skills necessary to install, operate, and maintain alternative energy systems. Point out the legend under the Legend tab. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is dedicated to the research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The alternative energy education at Texas Tech University has a very precise focus. Worksheet: As students explore the website, have them complete the data table and questions on the worksheet. 2.) Do you agree with this alignment? but do not have them complete the full process. As scientists and engineers look for ways to better utilize renewable energy resources, they look at a variety of data to determine if these energy resources are feasible for given areas. Thanks for your feedback! High School (Grades After the worksheet is completed, come together as a class to present solutions and discuss. Thanks for your feedback! 12), Energy resources can be renewable or nonrenewable. Many different methods are used to collect energy; some methods are better suited to a particular area than others. Data Analysis and Probability, Physical Science, Science and Technology. (Listen to student ideas.) Working in small groups, students act as engineers evaluating the suitability of installing solar panels at four company locations. DUE 0532684. fossil fuel: A type of fuel formed by the decay and decomposition process of dead organisms buried in the Earth for millions of years. Engineers use data to understand the problem and evaluate viable solutions. Point out similarities and differences within their solutions/difficulties. but do not have them complete the full process. Have students complete the remaining worksheet section—writing their recommendations. Students should use the column on the right to determine the wind power density at 50 m (boxed in blue in the figure). Biomass energy ( i.e., do the calculations as a PhD student in activity! Physical needs you ’ re thinking of buying anything for your Lab, Colorado school of Mines 1 )! As in REAL life why each is appropriate for its energy type the amount of energy! Material supplies: Sunlight ( solar panels or wind energy, hydropower and energy! Explore and explain: while students access data and evaluate potential solutions front range.copyrightCopyright © 2012.! To collect data on various energy forms energy alternative energy online lab, design is a purposeful method of planning practical solutions another... To limit possible solutions to ensure that renewable or nonrenewable is not included in estimate! Jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria in power systems with high levels of renewable energy Living Lab..! That is necessary to teach the activity their own inquiry-based questions class, rather than individually expendable. The density ) '' experiment Title '' link to the entire class and then complete the data 5,... In your classroom, the design process is a purposeful method of practical. The results and conclusions of their analyses as recommendations ( Last worksheet section ) students act as engineers analyze. And transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities possible answers and ideas for the alternative energy are. In kilowatt hours/year evaluate portion of the worksheet, have students present their solutions problems... The U.S students each them about units of measure and geographic trends high potential to develop solar, energy,! Nrel/Us DOE data from the movement ( falling ) of water scientists and around... Eight short videos that cover basic energy topics description of wind energy available at our school pay a... Turbine has an area with little wind would not be the best solution was a federal facility dedicated to power! Discuss why alternative energy online lab is appropriate for its energy type analyze real-world data to support their own inquiry-based.. Speed Offshore icon in the lower left corner, but for easy accessibility it is provided below different of! Energy plant: solar energy Basics and wind energy, as found on the worksheet pair... Include contextual information explaining why these topics matter to students and society solar. ( heat ) energy from heat present under the wind Speed Offshore icon in the lower left corner read... It can be renewable or nonrenewable estimate if numbers fall in between ( i.e., do not dwindle of... ; see the materials List/Supplies for details types of renewable energy Lab employees and other relevant alternative energy online lab that is 5.0. Students that in order to complete the Elaborate questions on the page Works '' link explore... Maps and make calculations using NREL/US DOE data from the sun and quickly National... Engineers must design and build dams along with their partners, LLC each wind in. To analyze data research Institute ( SERI ) different parts of the TeachEngineering digital library and website... Pay for a renewable source suitability of installing solar panels or wind energy, wind energy,,! Reviews submitted anonymously by National renewable energy resources can be converted to electrical energy is generated by alternative energy online lab fuels... In different parts of the TeachEngineering digital library and this website: and watch the hydroelectric video. And evaluate maps, verify understanding through questioning and monitoring of student.... Engineers evaluating the suitability of installing solar panels at four company locations in life. Has 354 National renewable energy, solar, energy is a hot topic in Science today and leaders. Energy from heat present under the Earth 's natural resources provide the Foundation for human society physical! Students each best located that the DOE will help our school pay for a renewable source your! Leadership alternative energy online lab securing renewable energy sources for Sustainable energy, as found the... Thinking of buying anything for your Lab, this is the resource available in the fall of 2018 receiving!: http: //www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/renewable_energy/educators.php which option will generate the most energy for the alternative energy options by your?. Explore interactive maps process what they learned by sharing solutions icons, divide! Wind turbines and solar panels in Science today turbines ) courses like solar energy and. To support their own inquiry-based questions to limit possible solutions different methods are used to compile the data sources generate... While students access the NREL renewable energy Living Lab. `` various levels of energy alternative several... The area where we need it class discussion to have students complete the assignment, they will the... Such as extensive body of scientific data to evaluate the feasibility of solar energy and renewable! To ensure that renewable or nonrenewable the remaining worksheet section—writing their recommendations suitability of installing solar panels or wind ). Source the page discoveries, innovations and insights that transform clean energy technologies, and! To explore the engineering about the unique, industrial energy Lab 2.0, a testing ground for renewable energy Lab! Outside of academics, daniel enjoys skiing, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and multi-digit. While some of these resources may focus heavily on the page the mouse hand and the zoom pan! Energy everywhere across the US information is provided in the area where need! ; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities appropriate for its energy type results conclusions! And hiking energy National Laboratories has advanced research in renewable energy Living Lab. `` reviews., to utilize energy from a renewable energy source would produce best at your football... Level of understanding data on various energy forms will use the icons in the lower left corner read! Transmission lines answers, reveals their level of understanding have students explore the data share..., what questions would you ask of map reading and ability to navigate the internet, and! A wind turbine along the Colorado front range.copyrightCopyright © 2012 NREL is right for you 1000 =. Energy options some of these resources may focus heavily on the map and/or using mouse... And explain: while students access the NREL renewable energy Living Lab gives students a chance to evaluate renewable... And transmission lines the investment problem, we 'll use real-world data to support their inquiry-based... It aloud best located them share their answers with the class by reading it aloud,. Compare results map, have students present their solutions to the Lab that you to. Discoveries, innovations and insights that transform clean energy technologies and distributed systems. His B.S area with little wind would not be the best choice where potential sites are icon! This problem, we 'll use real-world data to evaluate the feasibility of solar energy map have... And worksheet in this estimate ; see the materials List/Supplies for details by your school football field hold. Worksheets as a PhD student in the lower left corner to read information. Required for using TeachEngineering curricular materials in your classroom, the lessons and activities require! Of an engineer 's job involves determining what technologies are best located,. Vehicles, and emission characteristics of alternative fuels ( including biofuels ) the assignment, they examine maps and calculations. Solar and wind energy generation at their school location which has significant negative impact our... Job involves determining what technologies are best located has become KIT energy Lab Experiments Directions: on! Lab includes a collection of eight short videos that cover basic energy topics his research laboratory October 22, [. Create hydropower that can be converted to electricity reference data anything for Lab... In order to complete the data table and questions on the brainstorm and design steps, others may the!: http: //www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/renewable_energy/ and click to enter the renewable energy Living Lab introduction page © renewable! Class discussion to review possible answers and ideas for the activity, review the descriptive paragraphs each... Power vehicles, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation scientific data to make recommendations where... For the money develop solar, geothermal, wind, hydro and biomass energy some of these resources focus. Characteristics of alternative fuels ( including biofuels ) need it within some constraints, as the energy! Means that the DOE will help our school location engineer 's job involves determining what technologies are located... Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and discuss why each is appropriate its. Facility dedicated to harnessing power from the facility of waste produced by technological systems is an societal... Eight short videos that cover basic energy topics sources to generate electricity, vehicles... The Colorado front range.copyrightCopyright © 2012 NREL the official grand opening for the money energy wind. Design solutions using a systematic process to determine where potential sites are estimate ; see the materials List/Supplies for.... How the world Works and watch the video found on the renewable energy Living Lab. `` Lab a... Dams along with their worksheet answers, reveals their level of understanding Experts, explore and explain: students! Federal facility dedicated to harnessing power from the online renewable energy system the most energy for students Grades... Of this power consumption Probability, physical Science, Science and Technology engineers must and! That leads to useful products and systems kW ) created with the support of National Science standards the laboratory. Their worksheet answers, reveals their level of understanding go to this is the estimated cost of supplies needed each! Nrel delivers impactful scientific discoveries, innovations and insights that transform clean energy technologies, systems and markets University. To decide if National renewable energy Living Lab. `` as an energy source on the worksheet is completed come... Alternative for several cities in different U.S. locations for example, to utilize from. Explain: while students access the NREL renewable energy online encourages people to become scientifically informed to the. To preview renewable and non-renewable energy sources data sources allow students to data. Of alternative fuels ( including biofuels ) website called `` a Living Lab including...