Introduction

The world is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental challenges we face due to the use of fossil fuels to power our daily lives. In response to this, the search for alternative and more sustainable energy sources has been a major priority for scientists and engineers. These energy sources are generally divided into two categories: renewable and non-renewable.

Renewable energies are those that, ideally, are infinite and do not deplete with use. Examples of renewable energy include solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy. These are clean energy sources that have a much lower environmental impact than non-renewable energy sources.

On the other hand, non-renewable energies are those that, once used, cannot be replenished. These energy sources usually come from fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. These are the most commonly used energy sources today, but they are also the ones that contribute the most to climate change.

Context

The use of renewable and non-renewable energies has profound impacts on our daily lives and the environment. The world is becoming increasingly aware of this, and therefore, the demand for renewable energy is growing. Understanding the differences between these types of energy and their impact on the world is essential to be able to make informed decisions about how we use and produce energy.

Energy sources are a very relevant topic in the current world, as the increasing use of non-renewable energies has a significant impact on global warming and climate change. On the other hand, renewable energies represent a sustainable alternative that has the potential to combat climate change, although they also present their own challenges.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Energy in Motion

Project Objective

This project aims to practically explore renewable and non-renewable energies, allowing students to identify examples of these types of energy in their own lives and experience the science behind a form of renewable energy - solar energy.

Detailed Project Description

Students, in groups of 3 to 5, will carry out two main projects.

1. Energy Cartography: Students will conduct research to identify renewable and non-renewable energy sources in their community or city. They will collect data on the energy sources used and create a map (physical or digital) illustrating where these sources are located and whether they are renewable or non-renewable.

2. Mini Solar Energy Project: Students will create a simple solar oven using everyday materials. They will conduct experiments with the oven, such as trying to cook a small snack, and observe how solar energy is converted into heat.

Required Materials

For Energy Cartography:

• Paper and pencil or digital mapping software.
• Internet access for research.

For the Mini Solar Energy Project:

• A shoebox
• Transparent plastic
• Aluminum foil
• Tape
• A thermometer
• A small snack to cook (such as a marshmallow or a piece of chocolate)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

Energy Cartography:

1. The student team should research on the internet or interview community residents to identify different renewable and non-renewable energy sources used.
2. With the collected information, students should create a map showing where these energy sources are located and classify them as renewable or non-renewable.

Mini Solar Energy Project:

1. Line the inside of the shoebox with aluminum foil.
2. Cut a rectangular hole in the top of the box and cover it with transparent plastic so that sunlight can enter the box.
3. Place the food you want to cook inside the box and the thermometer next to it.
4. Place the box in the sunlight and observe the temperature inside the box over time.

At the end of the project, students should submit a detailed report consisting of four main sections:

1. Introduction: Students should introduce the topic of renewable and non-renewable energy, explain why it is important, and describe the project's objective.

2. Development: Students should describe the theory behind renewable and non-renewable energy, detail the process they went through to carry out the project, include the techniques they used, and discuss the results they found.

3. Conclusion: Students should summarize the main points of their project, discuss what they learned during the process, and conclude with their findings on renewable and non-renewable energy.

4. Bibliography: Students should list all the sources they used to carry out the project, including but not limited to books, websites, and videos.