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Filter By Topic: 1. Energy is a physical quantity that follows precise natural laws. 2. Physical processes on Earth are the result of energy flow through the Earth... 3. Biological processes depend on energy flow through the Earth system. 5. Energy decisions are influenced by economic, political, environmental, and... 6. The amount of energy used by human society depends on many factors. 7. The quality of life of individuals and societies is affected by energy... 4. Various sources of energy are used to power human activities. 8. Wood based bio-fuels are one form of energy that is renewable
Filter By Sub-Topic: 1.1 Energy is a quantity that is transferred from system to system. 1.2 The energy of a system or object that results in its temperature is called... 1.3 Energy is neither created nor destroyed. 1.4 Energy available to do useful work decreases as it is transferred from... 1.5 Energy comes in different forms and can be divided into categories. 1.6 Chemical and nuclear reactions involve transfer and transformation of... 1.7 Many different units are used to quantify energy. 1.8 Power is a measure of energy transfer rate. 2.1 Earth constantly changes as energy flows through the system. 2.2 Sunlight, gravitational potential, decay of radioactive isotopes, and... 2.3 Earth’s weather and climate are mostly driven by energy from the Sun. 2.4 Water plays a major role in the storage and transfer of energy in the Earth... 2.5 Movement of matter between reservoirs is driven by Earth’s sources of... 2.6 Greenhouse gases affect energy flow through the Earth system. 2.7 The effects of changes in Earth’s energy system are often not immediately... 3.1 The Sun is the major source of energy for organisms and the ecosystems of... 3.2 Food is a biofuel used by organisms to acquire energy for internal living... 3.3 Energy available to do useful work decreases as it is transferred from... 3.4 Energy flows through food webs in one direction, from producers to... 3.5 Ecosystems are affected by changes in the availability of energy and... 3.6 Humans are part of Earth’s ecosystems and influence energy flow through... 4.1 Humans transfer and transform energy from the environment into forms useful... 4.2 Humans use of energy is subject to limits and constraints. 4.3 Fossil and biofuels are organic matter that contain energy captured from... 4.4 Humans transport energy from place to place. 4.5 Humans generate electricity in multiple ways. 4.6 Humans intentionally store energy for later use in a number of different... 4.7 Different sources of energy and different ways energy is transformed,... 5.1 Decisions concerning the use of energy resources are made at many levels. 5.2 Energy infrastructure has inertia. 5.3 Energy decisions can be made using a systems-based approach. 5.4 Energy decisions are influenced by economic factors. 5.5 Energy decisions are influenced by political factors. 5.6 Energy decisions are influenced by environmental factors. 5.7 Energy decisions are influenced by social factors. 6.1 Conservation of energy has two very different meanings. 6.2 One way to manage energy resources is through conservation. 6.3 Human demand for energy is increasing. 6.4 Earth has limited energy resources. 6.5 Social and technological innovation affects the amount of energy used by... 6.6 Behavior and design affect the amount of energy used by human society. 6.7 Products and services carry with them embedded energy. 6.8 Amount of energy used can be calculated and monitored. 7.1 Economic security is impacted by energy choices. 7.2 National security is impacted by energy choices. 7.3 Environmental quality is impacted by energy choices. 7.4 Increasing demand for and limited supplies of fossil fuels affects quality... 7.5 Access to energy resources affects quality of life. 7.6 Some populations are more vulnerable to impacts of energy choices than... 8.1 Sources of cellulosic residuals used are found in forest operations and in... 8.2 Transportation and logistic considerations shape cost and feasibility within... 8.3 Pretreatment processess makes sugars more available. 8.4 The conversion processess includes adding specific enzymes to make simple... 8.5 Fermentation processess use specialized yeasts to create isobutanol. 8.6 Liquid fuel can be produced from wood feedstocks. 8.7 Co-products in biofuel production use lignin in many ways. 8.8 Life cycle analysis take account of ecological factors that are in steps...
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National Geographic article detailing 10 innovations that are impacting today and have the potential to impact our energy future.
Associated Grade Levels: 7-89-1011-12Public
Department of Energy publication detailing the amount of energy used and produced in 2013 across all sectors.
The National Climate Assessment provides information for current climate issues in each region of the US and provides insight for future climate changes
Associated Grade Levels: 5-67-89-1011-12Public
National Geographic article highlighting some of the new technology that the auto industry is using to make more energy efficient cars. Ideas include using aluminium frames, better batteries and hydrogen powered vehicles.
Five points of interest when discussing biorefineries.
A Grist article describing the winners of OpenIDEO's Renewable Energy Challenge. Ideas include a tree shaped wind turbine and a solar collector that also cleans water.
Teachers will find a progression of four lesson plans in this curriculum. These lessons focus on advanced biofuel projects from across the U.S. that are striving to meet goals of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, while producing alternative fuels and co-products. These lessons are delivered with evidence based narrative material that will engage students in the stories surrounding these progressive biofuels projects. There are two curricular threads that progress through the lessons. The first thread is the science content to build students’ knowledge of advanced biofuels. The second thread has students progress from deconstructing narrative material to constructing their own narrative in the final lesson.
A detailed report of the market for biofuel energy as of 2012
Associated Grade Levels: 9-1011-12Public
Educational resources provided by Advanced Hardwoods Biofuels Northwest
News and Information about Biofuel and Biomass Fuel Technology from AENews
What are the issues surrounding the US biofuels industry? Find out about taxes, tariffs, incentives, and regulations on biofuels that the US government has enacted.
Associated Grade Levels: 9-1011-12
An initiative launched by President Obama for the conservation of land with the benefit of all at its forefront. This will be accomplished by locals instead of a more federal approach.
In this intimate talk filmed at TED's offices, energy innovator Amory Lovins shows how to get the US off oil and coal by 2050, $5 trillion cheaper, with no Act of Congress, led by business for profit. The key is integrating all four energy-using sectors—and four kinds of innovation.
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory report which details the decisions concerning implementing the PV market.
Associated Grade Levels: 9-10Public
A governmental challenge to build better, more energy efficient buildings. This is the link to the main site within the U.S. Department of Energy which has a comprehensive overview of the challenges goals and outcomes.
A PBS website that offers an in-depth essential addition to America's energy debate. The videos are produced by Detroit Public Television and Scientific American.
An infographic showing the regions where each study is taking place, as well as the universities that are leading the scientific studies and the the links to their specific information.
"Bioenergy: America's Energy Future is a short documentary film showcasing examples of bioenergy innovations across the biomass supply chain and the United States. The film highlights a few stories of individuals and companies who are passionate about achieving the promise of biofuels and addressing the challenges of developing a thriving bioeconomy. This outreach product supports media initiatives to expand the public’s understanding of the bioenergy industry and sustainable transportation and was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Green Focus Films, and BCS, Incorporated. "
Biofuels scavenger hunt, photosynthesis and vegetable oils as sources of biofuels, make your own biofuel with Dr. Pepper
Associated Grade Levels: 5-67-89-1011-12
Biofuels have lately been indicated as a promising source of cheap and sustainable energy. In this paper we argue that some important ethical and environmental issues have also to be addressed: (1) the conflict between biofuels production and global food security, particularly in developing countries, and (2) the limits of the Human Appropriation of ecosystem services and Net Primary Productivity.
A Department of Energy project which would allow for a mobile feedstock processing plant. This pdf outlines the workings of the equipment along with the capabilities for production.
By formulating a new, stronger form of concrete it has allowed the possibility of taller wind turbines to become a possibility.
Link to a group of universities working on ways to improve transportation by way of efficiency and new technologies.
University of Wisconsin Madison Massive Open Online Course designed to highlight the impact of a changing climate while detailing how these effects are taking place and why.
This addresses the economic viability and benefits of biomass utilization, particularly a biomass energy plant and associated woody biomass markets in the Clearwater basin. P. 68-105
An infographic that details the comprehensive changes which are to take place across all sectors.
International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme Youtube video describing the effects that humans are having on the planet and its potential impact on the future of climate.
BBC article summarizing the acknowledgment of G20 countries need to support developing countries get clean energy and adapt to climate change
Overview of the progress and goals for different teams within the NARA framework.
Associated Grade Levels: 11-12Public
A PBS video describing how using different low flow and energy smart technology can help to positively impact the amount of water that is used.
Associated Grade Levels: 3-45-67-89-1011-12Public
PBS video about how cow manure is being used to power a local farm in Vermont in addition to producing energy for the grid and produce fertilizer and bedding.
Use this resource to find any energy incentives in your area or across your state.
A powerpoint presentation from DuPont delivered at the U.S. Department of Energy's Biomass conference in 2014 dealing with growing the future bioeconomy. The slides review the process of harvesting corn stover in Nevada, Iowa and its expansion into a realistic biomass.
Biomass magazine article overviewing an Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) report for the numbers of growth in clean energy related sectors, highlighting the continued growth of jobs.
The Alliance for Community Trees short about the positive impacts of trees in urban settings, along with some of the monetary benefits that trees bring.
Energy efficiency resources, including guides on heating and cooling, efficient lighting, window insulation, water conservation, solar energy, and more
A U.S. Energy Information Administration website covering renewable biomass topics at a level that kids can understand.
Associated Grade Levels: 1-23-45-6
A powerpoint covering the Imagine Tomorrow energy competition and energy literacy with its relation to STEM and NARA.
This is a collaboration of the state energy office and UW-Extension. This site covers all realms of energy production and usage across the state of Wisconsin.
PBS compilation of energy resources including relevant videos, lesson plans, and grouped by grade level as well as educational standards.
Associated Grade Levels: 1-23-45-67-89-1011-12Public
An online community for young and aspiring engineers. Learn about jobs and college programs in engineering, news in the engineering field, and network with other young engineers
Nearly 47,000 jobs were announced across the U.S. This report details the states and specific jobs that were gained in the year 2014.
The EPA's summary information of the Petroleum industry.
Science Magazine article highlighting using a different process to break down plant matter into useable fuel. This process uses bacteria to break down the plants.
Breakdown of costs involved with the implementation of clean energy on a per building scale.
Advances in technology allow us new opportunities to better ourselves and the planet. 3-D printing, driverless cars, and new glass are among the topics inside this article.
Summation of a report which highlights the amount of money being spent to further non-renewable fuel source exploration.
A comprehensive guide to energy literacy with lessons, assessments and student readings covering topics including the basics of energy through home energy usage and sustainable flight using biofuel from the Pacific Northwest, among others.
Associated Grade Levels: 5-67-8Public
Fuels for Schools was started in Vermont as a statewide initiative to promote and encourage the use of renewable, local natural resources to provide reliable heat for schools. It has since grown into a multistate program, and has recently expanded its scope beyond schools.
UN-backed statement about the future of fossil fuels according to the IPCC, along with target goals for reducing our dependency on non-renewable energy sources and carbon storage.
A biofuel company is able to produce larger levels of fuel than previously thought also with new ways for the company to continue prosper.
This interactive map shows the present and potential future of electricity in the world.
In this lesson students will be dicussing the impacts from global warming and the effects of greenhouse gasses.
Global Change is a research program that works to understand the impacts of climate change.
Ethanol Producer Magazine article detailing the abilities of the company Algenol, which produces ethanol and other coproducts by way of algae. The company uses algae to make up to 8,000 gallons of ethanol a year, compared to corn ethanol's 476 gallons.
Bio-jet fuels currently represent the only viable option for significantly reducing emissions from aviation without cutting the number of flights flown. Policy Exchange explores ways to develop and commercialize these bio-jet fuels.
Smarter technology is being researched for implementation on snow plows to use less salt when there is salt still remaining on the road.
An environmental news and opinion nonprofit organization which compiles irreverant thought provoking articles dealing with the issues of Climate, Culture and Energy.
A NOVA video showing how the growing population is increasing the demand for energy and how we are going to fill the need along with the effects on the environment.
A TED-Ed video lesson about how many lightbulbs each person uses in the United Kingdom. A physicist walks us through the amount of energy used and needed all converted to the amount of light bulbs on all the time.
Frequently asked questions dealing with geothermal heat pumps. Topics range from Cost, Environmental benefits, to Installation.
Describes the testing done on the new design for even larger turbines made out of a concrete base which reach up higher into more reliable air flow.
Comprehensive report on climate change covering topics such as; observed changes, future changes and risks, mitigation techniques, and sustainable development, along with many others.
Kids' Tech University is a program at Virginia Tech with one primary goal: creating the future workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by sparking kids' interest in these fields.
A students guide to Global Climate Change. This EPA site helps kids explore and understand what is going on with climate change, what the impacts are, how to think like a scientist and how to be a part of the solution.
Associated Grade Levels: 5-67-89-10Public
10,000 heads of lettuce can be produced daily at a facility in Japan with the use of LED light bulbs and controlled air in a repurposed electronics warehouse. This technique brings the food closer to the people and reduces the amount of energy necessary for production compared to typical indoor facilities.
Video about LED production and its implications for developing nations, produced by University of California.
Video introducing the inventor of LED technology and explaining the beginning of LED implementation because of its high efficiency values compared to tungsten bulbs.
Video explaining the process of LED technology and its benefits towards removing the amount of energy that needs to be produced.
Video explaining how LEDs have impacted society and the future of lighting technology in relation to more efficient methods such as lasers.
Technology company LumaStream is changing the way lighting looks and costs with their innovative methods and technology advances with the use of LED lighting systems.
News and Information about Biofuels from National Geographic
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) signed a contract to purchase 450,000 gallons of advanced drop-in biofuel, the single largest purchase of biofuel in government history.
A conglomerate of stakeholders come together to try and create a better future for our land.
News and Information about Biofuels from the New York Times
A Biomass magazine article covering the growth of a large ethanol producer indicating that the biomass sector is one that is rapidly growing.
A U.S. Department of Energy laboratory video covering the process of using non-food based feed stock to produce viable liquid biofuels in addition to a synopsis of the biofuels basics.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory surveyed 74 companies that reported they have commercial-scale biofuel production. This overview provides a link to the published survey results detailing the different types of biofuel and the capacity available.
Repurposing old tires to help produce more energy efficient batteries.
This infographic portrays a positive message about the benefits of biomass energy. According to the graphic, biomass energy provides jobs, lessens dependence on fossil fuels, and is a reliable and clean energy source. This is clearly illustrated in the graphic released by ReEnergy, an energy solutions company.
Article talking about the benefits of using our municipal solid waste for biofuels, especially relating to Halloween pumpkins.
These two graphs plot HDI (Human Development Index), a measure of life quality, with energy consumption and CO2 emissions of 128 countries. Countries with higher energy consumption and the related CO2 emissions have a higher HDI. These graphs can be used to discuss energy inequality and the sustainability of current energy consumption with decreasing fossil fuels.
A compilation of short quizzes with answers and resources for more material. Quizzes include but not limited to Soil moisture, The ocean, Frozen poles, Precipitation and the water cycle, and How's your energy level?
This article from The American Ceramic Society talks about why we are seeing the price of PV cells decline.
A New York Times article reviewing the impacts of using food crops for biofuels, especially with cassava and corn extending beyond first world impacts.
Grist founder Chip Giller talks about the new ways that we should be approaching climate change and some of the positives that real people are having on the ground. He details some marketing schemes that are having negative effects and those that are positive. His four major talking points revolve around; people taking energy into their own hands, our changing food system, companies are thinking differently and a new American dream.
This document provides an overview of the social responsibility landscape and how existing tools and methodologies can be mobilized in business.
Associated Grade Levels: 11-12
National Geographic article discussing the impact that using floating solar arrays could have on the energy conversation as well as the environmental conversation.
The statistical review of world energy is a look at the past, present, and future of global energy production, consumption, and conservation
A Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network website which covers the importance of climate literacy and understanding what role the climate plays in our everyday life.
A Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network website which details energy literacy and how to best teach its concepts, this includes an energy quiz.
National Geographic article discussing the good, the bad and the need for more information regarding extremely efficient homes.
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory report which details the decisions a large company has to consider before implementing a large volume of PV cells.
With cities containing a large portion of the world's people it is important to use electricity and lighting in a thoughtful way. These companies are working together to provide for the smart usage of lighting and grid control of city scapes.
Outlines the goals and dimensions of sustainability through the eyes of the DoE by way of combining advanced analysis with applied research to understand and address the potential environmental impacts of bioenergy production.
Website with energy information across all sectors with interactive maps and articles associated with energy use, production and cost.
Article describing the process that Gevo make alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel along with some of the other testing that has been done with this alternative fuel source.
The Washington Post article describing how large utilities are trying to stop home owners from implementing solar pannels and the reasoning behind why they don't want rooftop solar.
University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh has the first of its kind in the nation biodigester. Students are encouraged to "feed the beast" by dumping food and other organic waste into specified receptacles to which will eventually produce methane that will power the campus.
A video segment where a ZOOM cast member visits a recycling plant and learns about the process of recycling and how much of an impact it can have on the environment.
Associated Grade Levels: 1-23-45-67-8Public
Decreasing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the governmental buildings includes using geothermal heat pumps. This method of using naturally occurring heating and cooling will help the U.S. government to reach it sustainability goals.
National Geographic article with video that highlights the first wood stove decathlon. Residential heating with wood has increased by nearly 40% in the last decade. This competition looks for particulate emissions and carbon monoxide. It also shows the amount of variability within design and materials for a wood stove.
National Geographic article and video covering how the United States has gone away from wood burning stoves for heat and how new technology can bring back the age old heating method. This story follows a University of Maryland team of students on their journey to a final product.
Info graphic describing environmental impacts of converting forest residuals into bio-jet fuel and other co-products.
News article talking about research that is being done to limit the amount of salt that gets into the environment by way of salting the roads.
