GRADE 9 ELECTRICTITY: Production of Electricity

PREAMBLE:     The global environment and the very existance of mankind and all other living things on earth are under threat due to the use of energy throughout the world.   Various energy technologies spew vast amounts of pollution or CO₂ into the air or threaten human health with substances which are toxic or mutagens.  

Other energy technologies are wasteful and result in vast areas of forest to be stripped bare.   Other technologies, although "environmentally friendly" are extremely expensive and will provide very little energy.   There are no perfect solutions to the world-wide energy problem.

The grade 9 science class will be doing a group project relating to the "societal implications" of various types of fuels and/or energy sources such as:

· wind -

· solar -

· geothermal -

· fossil fuels -

· nuclear -

· hydrogen fuel cells or other technologies

· biomass -

· tidal power -

· conservation technologies -

· hydroelectric -

· other topic of your choice-



The project will focus on issues such as sustainability, environmental impact, cost and its ability to meet society's demands.   The presentation will be around 15 minutes in length.

GROUP SIZES:   Groups of three or four are preferred, but I understand that some students may prefer to work in a group of two or individually.

PRESENTATION DATES:
Presentations will take place on Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4. Presentation times will be decided later:

PROJECT EVALUATION:   attached page. Mr. Koivu will meet with each group briefly in the hallway immediately after their presentation for a debriefing and to let them know the level achieved.

ASSIGNMENT DATES:
    Computer Lab Room 111N:  Wednesday, May 28
    Computer Lab Room 111N   Thursday, May 29



THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING:

The PowerPoint (minimum 12 slides) or Prezi will focus on:

A: Basic information on the technical aspects of the type of energy conversion technology. Answer the question: "How does it work?"

B: Issues such as

1. sustainability

2. renewability

3. environmental impact

4. cost

5. impact on global warming

6. its ability to meet society's demands in a timely manner. (ie: Does it produce during the day versus night? Also, does it vary with the season? Is it available everywhere in the world?)

During the presenation, students should focus on NOT reading from their notes but try to talk in a natural, conversational manner.

20% Bonus: CLASS ACTIVITY:
Each group may include an BRIEF activity which will "engage" the class and provide a review of the topic.   This may include a well-organized, well-run game such as "Jeopardy", a quiz, crossword puzzle or another form of a worksheet.   Word searches will not be allowed!!

Guidelines for doing a POWER POINT PRESENTATION

The PowerPoint presentation will focus on providing information on the technical aspects of the type of energy (how it works) and impacts on society and the environment.   Your focus should be on improving the quality of your delivery.  

I expect to see on your PowerPoint to have:

· No paragraphs or blocks of text

· Minimal use of full sentences, or none at all

· Point form bullets

· Attractive and pertinent graphs

· Avoidance of "overly busy" or garish backgrounds which make overlying text impossible to read.

· Simple, uncluttered pages.   If in doubt, use less information per page rather than more information, and add additional pages.

· Avoidance of unnecessary detail which will bore your audience

The student presenters will:

· be facing the audience at all times, either directly or at a slight angle

· NOT read blocks of text from the PowerPoint

· use the point form notes on the PowerPoint as a guide to stay organized

· add extra information which does not appear on the PowerPoint, in a natural, conversational style

· be well rehearsed and know their topic

· make seamless transitions between group members

· have a clear voice, loud enough to be heard by everyone

· try for expression in your tone of voice