Final Essay

Final

I learned many things while completing this project. I picked this topic because I was interested in the alternative sources of energy, but also because I did not know much about them before this project. I had never learned of or heard about geothermal energy before the project. I find that a very interesting means of alternative energy, and I would like to look at it further. My interview with Mrs. Major was very positive in that it showed how people of the scientific community feel about the modern energy crisis. I also enjoyed learning about the ethanol made from corn, and how now it is not even using the corn crop but simply the leftover stalks after the harvest. Critical Perspectives on Energy and Power proved to be a interesting read, mostly because it was comprised of articles all giving different viewpoints. The YouTube video I found was the most influential in my learning on this project. I searched for videos that would cover multiple energy sources, and this clip covered all of that.

Having and opportunity to study a subject of interest was the obvious reason for enjoying the project. Also, giving any voice to a problem that will affect every aspect of modern day life gives a sense of importance. My interview with Mrs. Major ended up being more of a discussion than interview however; within ten minutes of talking to her I felt a close connection between our thoughts. Overall, this project wasn’t as bad as I expected and found the research to be effortless, already having an interest in the subject. After the project my views on alternate energy have only become more urgent. I strongly believe the government and private sector should take steps to develop alternate energy and avoid economic and environmental damage.

In retrospect, I would avoid much procrastination that pushed me behind schedule. Also, I might consider picking a topic that I was relatively uniformed on and had much to learn. My interview could have been better if I had found someone who was leading in developing renewable energy.

Interviewing Mrs. Major

I interviewed Mary Major, the AP and Pre-AP Biology teacher, whom I happen to have for AP Biology. She has much experience in the fields of medical and biological science, and has masters degrees in three areas of study. She also taught chemistry. Because of her background with the earth and properties of fuels, their effects on the environment…I thought she would be the best candidate for my topic of alternative energy sources. I asked her how she felt about alternative sources, and she is all for them. Her favorite type of alternate source is a tie between wind and water power. She likes those because they are two resources that we cannot run out of. I then asked about solar power, because it meets those criteria as well. She said that solar power is very good but it is currently too costly to have enough solar panels even on a house to run the electricity.

Mrs. Major is my favorite teacher, therefore I thoroughly enjoyed the experience to interview her in a formal setting about a topic we haven’t discussed much in class. After doing the blogs involved with this project I felt pretty well informed on alternative sources, so we were able to have a mature discussion and I got to hear opinions from someone who is knowledgeable as well as interesting. Her views on the subject were well thought out and very up to date. The interview portion of this project was probably my favorite.

Time for a Change

This short clip called Alternative Energy was posted on YouTube by national geographic. It discusses many of the things discussed in my former blogs, but it gives a visual and some methods to solve the “energy crisis” as this video would call it. National geographic used a very credible source, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In the video solar power, wind energy, and ethanol fuel from corn are discussed.

This video provides information on the technology being used today to solve the energy crisis and find better means to harness alternative energy mediums. Although the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is a great place doing groundbreaking research, no comments are made on the costs of these experiments or what the cost of how these alternative means of energy will be on average, everyday Americans looking to be more eco-friendly. The video suggests that until the majority of people are using alternative means of energy there will be no significant change in the use of fossil fuels in America. therefore the makers of the video did not find in necessary to discuss the expense implications that will be placed on Americans when this takes place, whether they are small or large. The video does a good job of showing new means of energy, but needs to be more factual and lengthened.

"Alternative Energy ." YouTube. Web. .

The Horizon has been Defeated

Song/video: The Horizon has been Defeated by Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson’s song “The Horizon Has Been Defeated” is a social commentary about covering the expanse of the globe and no longer having a horizon to look out towards. With today’s technology there is nothing unexplored. Virtually, all things are possible. He sings of “pirates of the new age” and things only getting worse as we grow older. This song explores topics from casinos to salesmen, all while keeping the listener relaxing to an island beat and smooth guitar. The underlying message is combated by a soothing song.

The line that most closely relates to my topic says “And then the rigs begin to drill

Until the drilling goes too far.” Johnson is commenting on drilling for oil and what can happen if it continues. This can even be related to oil spills or pollution in the air from coal and oil burning emissions. We will eventually run out of oil, and if more research is not put into alternative methods of energy then the planet will be left in the dark.

"Jack Johnson - The Horizon Has Been Defeated ." YouTube. Web. .

Named Old Faithful for a Reason

Geothermal energy is defined in “Advantages of Geothermal Energy” as non-polluting and cost effective. The article describes the process of obtaining geothermal energy as “drilling deep holes into the earth’s crust pumping cold water through one end and then by the time it rises back to the surface the water can be hundreds of degrees Celsius which we then use as steam to drive a turbine which drives a generator creating power.” This type of drilling is non-evasive, unlike drilling for oil or gas. The process is slightly complicated, but geothermal energy plants generate no pollution and require no fuels to run. The only thing needed to run a plant is water, no burning coal or fuels to pollute the environment.

Geothermal energy is a new and still developing form of alternative energy. It involves tearing deep into the earth, which is unattractive as it is destructive to the earth. It is cost effective, according to the article, because it is “less expensive than if you were planning to construct an; oil, gas, coal, or nuclear power plant.” This is a positive, and so is the fact that it does not take a large land area. Geothermal energy is still being explored as an alternative to coal and oil.

"Advantages of Geothermal Energy." n. pag. Web. 13 May 2010. .

Sun is Shining

“Why Is Solar Energy Important?” from solarcompanies.com summarizes the benefits of solar energy simply. This website is a national database and directory of solar services .The clear reason for solar energy is that the sun is plentiful and accessible to all. This passage says that “There is enough energy in one day of sunlight to meet our electricity needs for a year. The problem is not the energy in sunlight, but our ability to harness it.” With new technology, America could have a much cleaner, and brighter future.

Solar energy is also an incredible resource in the search for alternative energy sources. It has become clear that we are wasting our fossil fuels and hurting the environment in the process. Solar energy, obviously coming from the sun, is a way to prevent harmful effects on the environment and a safe way to use natural resources to power the nation. Solar energy is one of the cleanest alternative methods for energy, and it can never run out or deplete. Currently the only way to access solar energy is through solar panels, and the issue there is simply space. Some people put them on roofs of homes and buildings, but the need for more panels and space for those becomes difficult to find. Once again, technology can solve these problems hopefully in the future.

"Why Is Solar Energy Important?." (2010): n. pag. Web. .

Water Moves

In “Hydro Energy” by James Copper the issue of water as a source of energy is discussed. Copper summarizes the ways of obtaining water energy such as hydroelectric dams, floating pontoons, turbines to monitor tides, Ocean thermal energy conversion through a cyclic heat engine, and Blue energy, or reverse desalination. He admits that many of these methods are new and still in the testing phase, but all show promise in providing stable sources of energy in a clean and environmentally friendly way. This article provides many alternate sources of energy all involving water in a factual and easy to understand way.

When looking at sources of alternate energy, water is a forerunner. It is the most abundant thing on our planet, and using it offers no harm to the environment or any bad emissions. Hydroelectric dams can cause some damage to river and waterway ecosystems, sometimes interfering with mating rituals or migration patterns of different animals. Though these can be bad for the populations of these animals, river societies and environmentalists are working to protect animals and find a solution to compromise with all sides. Micro hydroelectric dams can “produce as much as 100 kilowatts of power.” This could mean great advances for smaller river communities and oceanfront towns alike.

Copper, James "Hydro Energy." Hydro Energy. 10 Jan. 2008 EzineArticles.com. 12 May. 2010 .