How a Geothermal Breakthrough Could Transform Our Energy Grid
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
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Provided by Grist
What it is
- In this video from Grist, students will learn about an experiment at Newberry Volcano in the Pacific Northwest that is investigating a new way to access geothermal energy using a process similar to fracking.
- Students will also learn how potential innovations like enhanced geothermal and a "millimeter wave" laser drill could make the prospect of large-scale geothermal energy more feasible.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video uses diagrams, animations, and graphs to explain the concepts clearly.
- The speaker is upbeat and engaging.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with fossil fuels and why we are pursuing renewable alternatives to these energy sources.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science teachers can use this video when learning about Earth's interior, earthquakes, plate tectonics, energy sources, renewable energy, solutions for climate change, or recent technological innovations.
- Students can use the information from the video and additional research to compare geothermal with other renewable sources like solar and wind. Students could identify technological innovations that helped those sources become more mainstream.
- Cross-curricular connections can be made with economics classes by comparing the costs associated with solar, wind, and geothermal energy, and looking at how this relates to the amount of energy we derive from each source.
- Students could use this map to explore where geothermal resources are located and other videos on geothermal energy include The Untapped Energy Source That Could Power the Planet, Geothermal Energy in Iceland, and How We Can Tap Into an Unlimited Supply of Geothermal Energy.
From the scientist review
This video underscores the setbacks and offerings of geothermal energy in contributing to the energy sector. It compares solar and geothermal energy, the opportunities and failures, and articulates a new focus on using technology such as the millimeter wave to harness geothermal energy. This is recommended for teaching.
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