Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30 Curriculum Guide Main Menu

Module 20: Alternate Energy Sources - Electrical Generation (Optional)

Suggested time: 10-15 hours

Level: Introductory

Prerequisite: None

Module Overview
Students will explore and assess the potential of wind, solar and other sources of electrical energy as supplements or alternatives to the thermal, gas turbine and hydroelectric installations that provide almost all of Saskatchewan's commercial electricity. This module is assigned no prerequisites to facilitate its use in survey courses. However, it should be preceded by Modules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 in a pure course.

Foundational Objectives

To foster an attitude of environmental responsibility.
To demonstrate knowledge of the methods of commercial energy production and distribution, with emphasis on those used in Saskatchewan.
To examine and assess the impact of, conventional and alternative energy production and energy conservation technologies in Saskatchewan.
To demonstrate knowledge of alternative energy resources that are, or could be, used in Saskatchewan.
To assess the need for and economic impact of, alternative energy resources in Saskatchewan.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objective(s)

To use appropriate terminology in describing technology and its operation. (COM)
To demonstrate an ability to research information by using Internet sources and print material. (TL)
To design, build and test a model of one or more alternative electrical generation methods. (NUM, CCT, TL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
20.1 To explore the historical uses of wind energy in human enterprise.	Students could identify transportation, water pumping (from wells and dugouts, as well as in large scale land drainage, e.g., Holland) and electrical generation.
20.2 To explore the various technologies developed worldwide to harness wind energy in generating electricity and identify regions in Saskatchewan and Canada that have potential for wind electrical generation.	Refer to L.O. 2.1. Students could use data on wind consistency and strength to assess appropriate technologies for local conditions. Students could construct a working model of a wind-powered electrical generator and design and carry out tests of its energy output and efficiency. Students could investigate current Saskatchewan wind-powered electrical generation initiatives, such as the projects near Gull Lake.
20.03 To assess the advantages and disadvantages of wind power as a source of electricity.
20.04 To learn how photocells are made and how they work.	Student will be familiar with the use of photocells in calculators, watches, security systems, street lights, etc. Nevertheless, the focus in this module should be on commercial solar power generation.
20.05 To identify regions in Saskatchewan and Canada with potential for solar electrical generation.	Students could use data on intensity and consistency of incoming solar radiation. If Module 19 has been completed, these data may already be available.
20.06 To investigate examples of solar power use in Saskatchewan and elsewhere.	Some Saskatchewan examples include electric fences, electric signs, emergency communication technology, solar campground (in Prince Albert National Park.) Students could construct a working model powered by a solar cell and design and carry out tests of its energy output and efficiency.
20.07 To assess the advantages and disadvantages of solar power as a source of electricity.
20.08 To investigate examples of electrochemical generation and storage technology and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each.	This would include fuel cells and various types of wet and dry storage cells (batteries).
20.09 To investigate and assess the potential of nuclear power generation.	If Module 14 is part of the program, this objective will have been covered there. If not, the teacher should refer to that module for a more detailed treatment of this objective.
20.10 To investigate co-generation as a supplementary electrical power source.	SaskPower is involved in or considering several co-generation projects. Refer to the SaskPower website for details.
20.11 To investigate small-scale stand-alone hydroelectric generation.	The Pelton turbine is one of several small-scale, high-efficiency generation devices popular in developing nations. A model could be constructed and tested