Today’s TopicEnergy

Renewable energy is made from resources that Mother Nature will replace, like wind, water and sunshine.

We can't store up wind and sunshine because if the wind doesn't blow or the sun hides behind clouds, there wouldn't be enough power for everyone.

It costs more money to make electricity from renewable sources, and most people aren't willing to pay more on their monthly utility bills.

Source: Alliant Energy Kids

Renewable Energy

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Energy: The Capacity of a Physical System to Work

Refrigerators, TVs, cars, ovens, lights, computers, heating and cooling, and more run on it

Creating energy takes time, money and resources

People often take energy for granted© Gerry Boughan | Dreamstime.com

Electrical Power Plant

Source: ehow

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Fossil FuelsOil, coal and natural gas are called "fossil fuels" -formed deep under the earth before dinosaur times

Typically cheaper than other types of energy but cause pollution.

Fossil fuels can't be replaced - once we use them up, they're gone forever.

Coal Power Plant

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Source: ehow

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Solar Photovoltaic System Energy From the Sun

A roof top is the perfect area for solar panels which can capture the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity for lighting, powering cars, and small appliances.

© Meryll | Dreamstime.com

Source: Alliant Energy © 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Evacuated Solar Tubes Energy From the Sun

Another type of solar collector - evacuated solar tubes transform the energy from the sun into heat to warm a swimming pool or hot water heater.

© Patrick Allen | Dreamstime.com

Source: Silicon Solar© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Solar Energy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0elhIcPVtKE

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Wind Energy - Wind Turbines

Wind Turbines need the wind to blows at least 14 miles per hour

Iowa is home to 2900+ wind turbines, creating enough electricity to power 1 million homes.© Typhoonski | Dreamstime.com

Source: Alliant Energy Kids

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Wind EnergyWind Energy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsZITSeQFR0&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL444BC5926D5F6FBA

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Daylighting- Conserving Energy

Skylights and Windows can bring “natural” light into a home or a building which reduces the amount of artificial light that needs to be added.

© Irina88w | Dreamstime.com

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) © 2012 ECOS Education LLC

DaylightingDaylighting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7EG4d-W4W8&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL444BC5926D5F6FBA

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Energy Conservation

Trees cool homes and buildings. Their leaves cool the building in summer, and fall off in winter allowing the sun to warm the structure

Light colored roofs reflect the sun and keep it cooler

© Budda | Dreamstime.com

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Source: Green Home Guide

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

How We Can Help

Turn off the lights when you leave a room (even for one minute)

Keep the doors closed to keep hot or cold air in.

Turn off your electronics when you’re not using them

Limit showers to 5 minutes or less. Heating the water takes lots of energy

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Replace your old light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps

© Artem Gorohov | Dreamstime.com

Don't leave the refrigerator door open any longer than you need to

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Source: Energy Quest

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Use Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star labeled appliances use less energy and save your family lots of money

© Brian Chase | Dreamstime.com

Source: Energy Star

© 2012 ECOS Education LLC

Educate & Act™Environmental Education Program

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ECOS Education LLCEducating Children On Sustainability

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