Wind+Power

The Answer is Blowin' in the Wind......or is it?

People, particularly scientists, have tried to harness the wind for centuries. Now, with fuel prices skyrocketing, and with the economy in such a fragile condition, it seems to be more important than ever to use the wind -- an endless and relatively inexpensive commodity -- to generate power. T. Boone Pickens has captured headlines in the last year with his bold and forward-thinking [|Pickens Plan]. Also listen to [|this video] bringing us up to date on the current status of wind energy in the U.S.
 * 1) What percentage of U.S. oil usage is imported today? What percentage was imported in 1970?
 * 2) How many barrels of oil are used by the U.S. each day?
 * 3) What percentage of the world oil demand is used by the U.S.?
 * 4) How will the Pickens Plan help to produce jobs in the next ten years?
 * 5) How does natural gas fit into the Pickens Plan?



Log on to the following [|webquest on wind power]. **Notes** :
 * You will be in your same groups of 3 or 4.
 * Each group will determine who will take each role in the research. If only three are in a group, leave off the consumer/citizen role.
 * Each group must produce one letter to a congressman; however, all members of the group must share equally in presenting each point of view.
 * The group must decide how you will present your final project: you may choose a PhotoStory, a PowerPoint, a skit, a model, or other media as long as you have approval from your teacher. Set your imagination free!!
 * A rubric will be prepared for your group after you settle on a project.

[|Rubric] for wind turbine model and presentation.

[|Rubric] for PowerPoint Presentation.