Background

Energy is the driving force of the world, present in all human activities, from the simple act of turning on a light bulb to the operation of complex industries. It is one of the keys to the development of a society. However, we have a major problem in relation to the energy sources we use. Some of them are non-renewable, that is, they are in limited quantity on our planet and, once exhausted, take thousands or millions of years to be replaced. Examples of this type of energy are oil, coal and natural gas.

In view of the need to find sustainable alternatives, renewable energies emerge, which are those that come from natural sources that have the capacity for regeneration, such as the energy of the sun (solar), of the winds (wind), of the waters (hydroelectric), among others. These energy sources are important not only for their renewable nature, but also because they cause less environmental impacts, when compared to non-renewable energies.

Understanding and distinguishing between these different energy sources is essential for us to recognize the importance of and need for investments and incentives in more sustainable technologies. The use of renewable energies can bring not only environmental but also economic benefits, such as job creation, for example.

In this project, we will deepen our knowledge on the different energy sources, their advantages, disadvantages and their use in the current world. And to make our learning journey even more exciting, we will divide ourselves into teams and work together to develop a practical activity involving these energy sources.

There are several resources that can serve as a basis for our learning, such as:

• Book: Renewable Energy - Challenges of the 21st Century. 2nd Edition - author Sene, E. available in libraries or for online purchase.
• Videos on the channel Mundo por Terra on YouTube, which explores the theme of renewable energies in a didactic manner.
• Website of the EPE - Energy Research Company brings a vast explanation on renewable and non-renewable energy.
• Documentaries such as "Solar Impulse - The Infinite Flight" (Netflix), which portrays a bold project of going around the world with a plane powered by solar energy.

Let's understand this world of renewable and non-renewable energies together, their implications and how we can act for a more sustainable future!

Practical Activity: Energy in Our Hands

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to have students, in groups of 3 to 5 members, develop in-depth research on two energy sources, one renewable and the other non-renewable, and then create a model demonstrating the operation and impact of these two energy sources. The project will be integrative, involving the disciplines of Science and Arts.

Project Description

Each group must choose or be assigned to research a renewable energy source (such as solar, wind, hydroelectric) and a non-renewable source (such as coal, oil, natural gas). The students should delve into the study of these energy sources, considering aspects such as the energy generation process, efficiency, environmental impact, economic viability, among others.

After this research, the groups must create a model that demonstrates the energy generation process of these sources, highlighting the positive and negative points of each one. The models should be creative and illustrative, so as to favor the understanding of the processes and concepts.

Materials Needed

The materials for the construction of the model may vary depending on the chosen energy sources. Each group should make a list of materials necessary for the construction of the model, which may include, for example: cardboard, colored paper, ice cream sticks, modeling clay, glue, scissors, paint, among others.

Step by Step

1. Divide the tasks among the members of the group. Some may be more responsible for the research and others more for the practical part (construction of the model), but everyone must actively participate in all parts.
2. Research the chosen energy sources, using the suggested sources and others that you consider interesting. Note the main information: how energy is generated, advantages, disadvantages, use in the current world and environmental impacts.
3. Plan the model. How can you represent the information obtained in the research in a visual and creative way? Make sketches and decide together the best design.
4. Make a list of necessary materials and provide them.
5. Build the model following the plan you made. Remember, it is important that the model is clear and informative, but also aesthetically pleasing.
6. Prepare a presentation to explain the model and the information obtained in the research. All members of the group should participate in the presentation.

Project Deliverables and How They Connect to the Suggested Activities

The final delivery of the project will be in two parts: a physical model and a written report on the project.

The report should follow the suggested format: Introduction, Development, Conclusion and Bibliography.

In the Introduction, you should explain why you chose these energy sources and why they are relevant. In the Development section, you should explain in detail how energy is generated, the advantages and disadvantages of each source, the environmental impact, economic viability, among other aspects. You should also detail how the model was built and how it represents the two energy sources.

In the Conclusion, you should summarize the main points learned during the project. This is a chance to reflect on what you have learned and make connections to the real world.

In the Bibliography, you should list all the sources you used for the research of the project. Remember to format it correctly according to ABNT standards.

The model and the report will be evaluated together, taking into account the depth of the research, the quality of the model, the teamwork and the ability to make significant connections between the theory and the model.