LP+The+Growing+Demand+for+Power


 * Standard 4. ** Students will understand the diverse ways people make a living in Utah.
 * Objective 3.** Examine aspects that have broadened Utah’s economy.
 * Indicator d.** Assess the development of heavy and high tech industries.


 * Lesson: The Growing Demand for Power **


 * Vocabulary:**
 * Nuclear power
 * Hydroelectric
 * Clean energy


 * Essential Questions:**
 * Where does Utah power come from?
 * What are some ways that the power industry in Utah is changing or what new avenues are available to us in this technological world?
 * How much does Utah need to expand its power industry to compensate for the growing consumption of power in Utah?


 * Instructional Activities:**
 * Have a discussion about the need for power in Utah.[[image:energy_consumption.JPG align="right" caption="Data: Energy Information Administration"]]
 * We consume primarily three types of energy in Utah: Coal for electricity and space heating, natural gas for appliances and heating, and petroleum for transportation.
 * Nearly 90% of our electricity in Utah comes from coal.[[image:energy_sources_graph.JPG width="443" height="248" align="right" caption="2006 data from Energy Information Administration"]]
 * We have a lot of coal in Utah, which keeps the price of electricity low compared to much of the country. 24% lower for residential electricity, even greater savings for commercial and industrial power.
 * There are upsides and downsides to both non-renewable and renewable sources of power. (cost, environmental impact, etc.)
 * Look at the graph of electricity production sources for Utah compared to the rest of the country (solar and wind are included in the "other" category.
 * Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of certain kinds of power such as Nuclear, Hydroelectric, Solar, or Wind. Discuss what "clean energy" means and the concept of going green.
 * Introduce the rubric for the project and the expectations.
 * Have the students get into groups and research one of the ongoing potential sources for power in Utah: Coal, Natural Gas, Oil and Tar Sands, Nuclear, Hydroelectric, Solar, Wind. (The [|Utah Foundation report]addresses each of these and would be a good starting place for student research, though you may want to parse it out for each group. There are also numerous valuable links included at the end of the report.)


 * Assessment:**
 * Project presentation


 * Materials / Resources for Teachers:**
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 * Materials / Resources for Students:**
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