Overview

Students research and write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) in which they choose one energy source and design a way to generate electric power for their city that does not deplete natural resources and has limited impact on the environment.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify various energy sources that can be used to generate electricity
• Discuss how one energy source could be used to generate electric power for a city of the future
• Identify and analyze the risks and benefits related to using an energy source
• Recognize that perfectly designed solutions do not exist—all technological solutions have trade-offs such as safety, cost, efficiency, and appearance
• Describe the role of engineering in the development of solutions to energy needs
• Identify steps of the design process (define the problem to solve; brainstorm various solutions; select a solution; design, build, test and redesign solution; share results)

View standards

This year’s topic: Fuel Your Future

Imagine new ways to meet our energy needs and maintain a healthy planet.

Every day we plug in and power up, thanks to electricity. We use electricity in hundreds of ways—to warm and cool our homes, charge our phones, light our streets, run our computers, and even cook our food. It takes energy to make electricity. In fact, about 40% of the total energy consumed in the U.S. is used to generate electricity. Most of this electricity is generated by large power plants. These plants use many fuels to make electricity—but over 60% of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas. In a world in which fossil fuels are running out and in which climate change is a growing concern, we need to find new ways to generate electric power.

Your future city will likely rely on multiple sources of energy to generate electric power. Choose one alternative energy source and design a way to generate electric power for your city that does not deplete natural resources and has limited impact on the environment.

Next Section: Guide Students' Thinking >