Renewable Energy: definitions and types

Section role: supports the 'Synthesizing the Power Grid' section while the teacher formalizes the definitions and mechanics of renewable energy sources based on the students' prior discoveries and introduces key vocabulary. Slides: (1) Title — 'Powering Our Future: Understanding Renewable Energy'; (2) What is Renewable Energy? — bullets: natural sources that replenish, inexhaustible, contrast with non-renewable from Section 1; (3) Solar Power — image: photovoltaic panels, example: Kalkbult solar plant in South Africa, bullet: how it converts sunlight to electricity; (4) Wind Power — image: wind turbines, example: Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, bullet: uses kinetic energy of air to turn turbines, addresses 'noisy pollution' misconception; (5) Hydropower — image: hydroelectric dam with turbines, example: Gariep Dam, bullet: uses kinetic energy of flowing water, potential environmental impact on rivers; (6) Biomass Energy — image: organic waste being processed, bullet: energy from organic matter, sustainability considerations; (7) Geothermal Energy — image: steam rising from earth, bullet: heat from Earth's interior; (8) Key Concepts — bullets: define Sustainability, Carbon Footprint, Kinetic Energy, linking back to energy choices; (9) Why Renewables Matter — bullets: recap benefits (e.g., cleaner air, long-term resource security), connection to 'Umhlaba Village' scenario from Section 2. Closing slide: 'Which renewable energy source do you think has the most potential for South Africa and why?' — sets up the discussion for the 'Energy Audit' in Section 4.

Lara from Teachy