Syllabus bites Electricity

Sources

Where does our electricity come from?

Most of us have access to electricity in our homes and at school.

In Australia most electricity is produced in power plants fuelled by coal, natural gas or running water (hydroelectricity). These sources of energy1 are plentiful, at least for now, and don’t cost as much as some other forms of electricity generation.

In many parts of the world, electricity is produced in nuclear power plants2.

Some families make choices about the source of the electricity they use.

Discussion point

Question mark icon

Can you think of three places in your community where it would be easy to use less electricity? Talk with your classmates and write down how it could be done.

How could you convince people to take the steps you have just discussed?

Sustainability

Coal and gas are known as non-renewable because we use them up much faster than our planet can replace them. Hydroelectricity can involve building dams that cause flooding of large areas.

Discussion point

Play video icon

Watch the video Green Power your business. Discuss with your classmates whether you think the video would be effective in convincing businesses to switch to green power, which may cost more.

Question mark icon

What techniques have the film makers used to make it persuasive?

Links

  1. http://kids.actewagl.com.au/education/energy/electricity/WhatIsElectricity/WhereDoesElectricityComeFrom.aspx
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power
  3. http://tlf.dlr.det.nsw.edu.au/learningobjects/Content/L2356/object/index.html
  4. http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/technologies/solarpv.html
  5. http://www.gtpower.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=14
  6. http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/technologies/wind.html
  7. http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/3047-wave.asp
  8. http://www.tasmanenergy.com.au/micro_hydro.html
  9. http://www.switchwise.com.au/electricity/sources/biomass/
  10. http://www.forestmedia.net.au/biomass-power.html
  11. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/solar-thermal-electricity/3099830
  12. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s3008638.htm
  13. http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2550612.htm