At a recent mayoral meeting the mayors of Chicago and several suburban cities discussed the continually increasing cost of heating fuel, gasoline and other source of energy. It was noted that the average gallon of gasonline is now over $3.00 per gallon and that heating costs are expected to increase by at least 11% this winter. A local scientist also explained how our current use of various energies is effecting our planet. Additionally, it was pointed out that our nation spends millions of dollars buying gasoline from other countries and that our other sources of energy are growing low.

Since Chicago and it's suburbs are home to many people heating their homes and driving their cars the mayors have decided to look into alternative sources of energy to keep the Chicagoland area running.

At this meeting I volunteered our class to research possible alternatives to current energy sources. I though since 7th grade science classes study non-renewable and renewable resources this would be a perfect project to apply our knowledge. The mayors of Norridge and Harwood Heights asked that the class create a presentation discussing the options available in our area for alternative sources of energy. So, let's show them what we know!

1. Identify what you know about sources of energy and conservation of energy.
2. Identify what you need to learn about source of energy and conservation of energy.
3. Select an alternative source of energy and one conservation method to research in depth. You may choose one listed or choose another, but it must be approved by the teacher first.
   

   Biofuel	Ethanol	Hydro Power
   Hydrogen Fuel	Solar Power	Tidal Power
   Wind Power	Nuclear Power	Geothermal Energy

4. Create a detailed presentation describing your choice of alternative energy and conservation method.

Adapter from Energy Alternatives by C. O'Hara
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 License