What is Alternative Energy?
Alternative energy is a source of energy that does not come from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. These alternative sources are friendly to the environment as they cause little or no pollution.
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Powerpoint
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Lights Out
1. Wind Energy
A wind turbine is a device that uses large blades to catch wind. The wind turns the blades which then drives a turbine to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. The stronger the wind, the more electricity is produced by the turbine.
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- Powerpoint
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Videos
Interactive
Wind Turbines
For and Against Wind Turbines
2. Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most dependable energy sources available to us. We can use solar energy to power our homes. Photovoltaic solar panels turn the sun’s rays into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using light photons from the sun.
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- Powerpoint
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Videos
- Interactive
Installing solar panels on a house
Experiments
Photovoltaic Cells
3. Saving Energy
There are a number of ways we can help to save energy throughout our homes, such as using energy saving lightbulbs, using cavity wall insulation and remembering to turn off electrical devices/lights when they are not in use.
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- Powerpoint
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Videos
- Interactive
Energy Saving Homes
Light bulb posters
4. Water Energy
Water energy comes indirectly from solar energy. The sun heats the surface of oceans and lakes causing water to evaporate. This water then turns into clouds and falls as rain which feeds streams and rivers across the world. The energy in the water as it travels to the sea can be used to create electricity. This is done by driving water through turbines which drive electric generators.
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- Powerpoint
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Videos
- Interactive
The Tidal Lagoon
Opinions on the Tidal Lagoon
5. Travel
Different types of travelling can use large of amounts of energy. Energy is the power that allows things to work. The energy that allows vehicles to move comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels include coal, oil and gas. Petrol and diesel are created from oil. One day fossil fuels will run out.
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Videos
- Interactive
Cycling
Electric Cars
6. Good Examples
We can recycle unused objects and materials from home to create numerous things such as cushions, bird feeders and decorations.
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Videos
Bois y Bins
