Lesson 3: Earth`s Energy Supply

Trivia Question of the Day
Homework:
“Insolation and the Seasons”
Essential Vocabulary Project
(due by Thursday, 03/24)
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Using the provided vocabulary words and
definitions, as well as construction paper,
colored pencils/markers, scissors, and glue,
create “brain-friendly” flash cards that
include
Side 1: The word
Side 2: The definition on the right AND
a drawing or visual example on the left
Lesson 3:
Earth’s Energy Supply
Let’s Brainstorm…
Energy!
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What is energy?
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Why is energy important?
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The ability to do work
We need energy for everything we do – whether making a
jump shot or baking cookies or sending astronauts to space
Where does the Earth get its energy from?
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The major sources of energy on Earth today are…
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Fossil fuels
Hydroelectric energy
Solar and wind energy
Nuclear power
Let’s Brainstorm…
Energy!
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How are energy sources categorized?
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Renewable: Solar and wind energy, geothermal
energy (from inside the Earth), biomass (including
firewood, ethanol, biodiesel), hydropower
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Non-Renewable: Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas,
coal), nuclear power
How much is each energy source
used in the U.S.?
Solar Energy and the Greenhouse
Effect
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Recall: What is insolation?
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INcoming SOLar radiATION
For the Earth to keep balanced, it must radiate
the same amount of energy that it receives
from the Sun back into space
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect… Explained
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ALL gases in Earth’s atmosphere slow down
infrared radiation from escaping away from
Earth, BUT… some gases are better than
others
“Greenhouse gases”: carbon dioxide, methane,
water vapor
Challenge Questions
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What would Earth be like without the
greenhouse effect?
A frozen planet without life
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What would Earth be like with too much of the
greenhouse effect?
Hot, hot, hot!
Closure Question
The Greenhouse Effect
Worksheet