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Energy Beginnings Worksheet

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Energy Beginnings Worksheet

Aotearoa New Zealand is planning how to power a small coastal community. Use the information and science ideas on this sheet to investigate energy sources, energy transfers and environmental choices.

Where does the energy come from?

Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Non-renewable sources, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are used far faster than they form. In New Zealand, electricity can be generated using hydro, geothermal, wind and solar energy, as well as fossil fuels.

1.Which statement best explains why wind is a renewable energy source?

Wind is replenished naturally and is not used up when turbines generate electricity.
Wind turbines produce electricity without any energy transfer.
Wind is stored underground as a fossil fuel.
Wind energy can only be used once.

2.Match each energy source to the energy resource it uses.

Solar
Wind
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Biomass

Moving air
Heat from inside Earth
Moving or falling water
Sunlight
Organic material such as plant matter

3.A hydroelectric station uses water stored high behind a dam. Describe the energy changes as the water flows through the station and turns a generator.

Choosing power for the coast

A coastal community compares two electricity options for one year. The figures below are simplified estimates for the activity, not measurements of a real project.

Option

Estimated electricity

Estimated operating emissions

Wind turbines

12,000 MWh

Very low

Gas generator

12,000 MWh

Higher; burning gas releases carbon dioxide

4.Using the comparison table, which option has lower operating emissions, and what is one limitation of relying on wind power, given that its output changes with wind speed?

5.True or false: A renewable energy source has no environmental impacts at any stage of its life.

TrueFalse

6.Complete the sentence: Burning coal, oil or natural gas releases , a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

7.Choose every accurate statement about renewable electricity.

It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with burning fossil fuels.
Every renewable energy project has zero effect on wildlife.
Using renewable resources can reduce dependence on finite fuels.
Solar panels and wind turbines need no materials to manufacture.

Make a practical energy plan

The community wants reliable electricity with less pollution. Consider both how electricity is generated and how much is needed.

8.Suggest two actions households could take to reduce electricity use without giving up an essential service. Explain how one action saves energy.

9.The community plans to use wind power, but electricity demand is highest in the evening. Give one way it could manage this mismatch and explain the idea.

10.Write a short recommendation to the community council: choose a sensible mix of energy sources or actions, and support your plan with two science-based reasons.