CIS UnitEcology:

Cost and Benefits of Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources (APES, Biology, Earth Space, Ecology, Physical Science)

NGSS Performance Expectations

HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity. HS-LS4-6: Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity. HS-ESS3-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards,

and changes in climate have influenced human activity. HS-ESS3-2: Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on

cost-benefit ratios. HS-ESS3-3: Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the

sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity. HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.

NGSSS Benchmarks

SC.912.L.17.11: Evaluate the costs and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable resources, such as water, energy, fossil fuels, wildlife, and forests.

SC.912.L.17.20: Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how human lifestyles affect sustainability.o What is the relationship between resource use and sustainable development? o What are examples of renewable and nonrenewable resources? o What are the pros and cons of various renewable and nonrenewable resources including environmental impacts?o What are the most significant threats to biodiversity?

English Language Arts Standards » Science & Technical Subjects » Grade 9-10

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7 Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 9-10

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

CIS LessonRenewable and Nonrenewable Resources

(Ancillary materials and student exemplar developed by Karen Fullam and Troy Suarez.)

1. Hook Engage: 300 Years of FOSSIL FUELS in 300 Seconds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w

2. Question #1 How are natural resources related to energy production?

3. Distribute article.

4. Pre-teach vocabulary: a. Compromisingb. Replenishingc. Inorganicd. Seams

e. Radioactivef. fissionableg. Implementationh. Redundant

i. Organicj. Felling

5. Text-marking:A = Energy comes or came from an abiotic source B = Energy comes or came from an biotic source

6. Question #2 Explain why Earth’s resources are limited and will not last forever.

7. Note-taking: What are the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and nonrenewable resources?

8. What is the most critical factoring affecting the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources?

Individual Group Recount Individual

SupplyPollution/Greenhouse GasDependence on Foreign CountriesEfficiency

9. Task #3The government of Gondwanaland, a large, wealthy island nation similar in size and climate to Australia, is having an energy crisis and is seeking the input of experts. They are quickly running out of nonrenewable resources and have not yet heavily invested in renewable energy sources. You have been commissioned to submit your position on the production of energy and resource consumption for Gondwanaland. Propose a plan for the sustainable use of energy that satisfies current and future energy needs while protecting the environment. Consult the exemplar for the proper way to use and cite sources.

Unit 1 Ecology CIS: Sustainable EnergySimply stated, energy is the capacity for doing work. It can have many forms: kinetic, potential, light, and nuclear among others. According to the law of conservation of energy, any form of energy can be converted into another form and the total energy will remain the same. When you charge your mobile phone, the electrical energy is converted into the chemical energy which gets stored in the battery. Energy can be classified into two main groups: Nonrenewable and Renewable.

Over the last 200 years an ever-increasing proportion of our energy has come from non-renewable sources such as oil and coal. While demand for energy rises, these resources are running out and scientists are exploring the potential of renewable sources of energy for the future.

All life on earth is sustained by energy from the sun. Plants, directly through photosynthesis, and animals, indirectly through heterotrophy, can store energy; some of this energy remains with them when they die. It is the remains of these ancient animals and plants that make up fossil fuels: fuels such as coal, gas and oil which are mined from the earth and burned to produce energy.

Fossil fuels are non-renewable; that is, the rate at which they are consumed far outpaces the rate at which they are created. Moreover, burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gases (naturally occurring gases in the atmosphere such carbon dioxide CO2, methane CH4, and nitrous oxide N2O) which may contribute to climate change. Therefore, the use of fossil fuels is unsustainable and we need to find renewable, sustainable ways of generating energy. Sustainable energy is defined as the production of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Renewable or infinite energy resources are sources of power that quickly replenish themselves and can be used again and again. The advantages and disadvantages of both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources are discussed below.

Non-renewable Energy ResourcesThere are reasons for both using nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, and for making a timely change in energy infrastructure to phase out their use. The reliability of energy derived from nonrenewable resources has provided an abundance of electricity and transportation for modern industrial nations, but concerns over the safety and sustainability of these power systems have also arisen.

Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Nonrenewable Sources of Energy

Type of fuel Where it is from Advantages Disadvantages

Coal

(fossil fuel)

Formed from fossilized plants and consisting of carbon with various organic and some inorganic compounds.

Mined from seams of coal, found sandwiched between layers of rock in the earth.

Burnt to provide heat or electricity.

Ready-made fuel. It is relatively cheap to mine and

to convert into energy. Coal supplies will last longer

than oil or gas. Well-developed technology. Efficient distribution system.

When burned coal gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.

Limited and decreasing supply.

1

2

6

5

4

3

Type of fuel Where it is from Advantages Disadvantages

Oil

(fossil fuel)

A carbon-based liquid formed from fossilized animals.

Lakes of oil are sandwiched between seams of rock in the earth.

Pipes are sunk down to the reservoirs to pump the oil out.

Widely used in industry and transport.

Oil is a ready-made fuel. Relatively cheap to extract and

to convert into energy. Well-developed technology. Efficient distribution system.

When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.

Increases dependency on foreign countries.

Limited and decreasing supply.

Natural gas

(fossil fuel)

Methane and some other gases trapped between seams of rock under the earth's surface.

Pipes are sunk into the ground to release the gas.

Often used in houses for heating and cooking.

Gas is a ready-made fuel. It is a relatively cheap form of

energy. It's a slightly cleaner fuel than

coal and oil.

When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.

Limited and decreasing supply. Extraction side-effects. Highly combustible.

Nuclear Radioactive minerals such as uranium are mined.

Electricity is generated from the energy that is released when the atoms of these minerals are split (by nuclear fission) in nuclear reactors.

A small amount of radioactive material produces a lot of energy.

Raw materials relatively cheap and can last quite a long time.

Sufficient supplies of fissionable material exist to satisfy energy demands for a long time.

It doesn't give off atmospheric pollutants.

Low environmental impact when running efficiently.

Nuclear reactors are expensive to run.

Nuclear waste is highly toxic, and needs to be safely stored for hundreds or thousands of years (expensive storage).

Leakage of nuclear materials can have a devastating impact on people and the environment.

How long will fossil fuels last?Estimates from international organizations suggest that if the world's demand for energy from fossil fuels continues at the present rate that oil and gas reserves may run out within some of our lifetimes. Coal is expected to last longer.

Renewable Energy SourcesRenewable energy sources quickly replenish themselves and can be used again and again. For this reason they are sometimes called infinite energy resources.

Table 3: Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Sources of Energy

Type of energy Where it is from Advantages Disadvantages

Solar Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity.

Potentially infinite energy supply.

Single dwellings can have own electricity supply.

No greenhouse emissions. Provides electricity to rural

areas. Reduces dependency on foreign

countries.

High startup costs. Low efficiency. Requires frequent sunshine. Energy must be stored in batteries. Can require large areas.

7

8

9

13

11

10

Table 2: Remaining Time

12

Fossil fuel Time left

Oil 50 years

Natural gas 70 years

Coal 250 years

Type of energy Where it is from Advantages Disadvantages

Wind Wind turbines (modern windmills) turn wind energy into electricity.

Can be found singularly, but usually many together in wind farms.

Potentially infinite energy supply.

High efficiency. No greenhouse emissions Can exist as both land and

ocean farms

Manufacture and implementation of wind farms can be costly.

Visual pollution - some local people object arguing that it spoils the countryside.

Noisy. Dangerous to birds Requires steady wind

Tidal The movement of tides drives turbines.

A tidal barrage (a kind of dam) is built across estuaries, forcing water through gaps.

In future, underwater turbines may be possible out at sea and without dams.

Ideal for countries with large coastlines.

Potential to generate a lot of energy.

Tidal barrage can double as a bridge, and help prevent flooding.

Construction of barrage is very costly. Only a few estuaries are suitable. Opposed by some environmental

groups as having a negative impact on wildlife.

May reduce tidal flow and impede flow of sewage out to sea.

Wave The movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.

Ideal for an island country. More likely to be small local

operations, rather than done on a national scale.

Construction can be costly. May be opposed by local or

environmental groups.

Geothermal In volcanic regions it is possible to use the natural heat of the earth.

Cold water is pumped underground and comes out as steam.

Steam can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.

Potentially infinite energy supply.

Used successfully in some countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland.

Can be expensive to set up and only works in areas of volcanic activity.

Geothermal and volcanic activity might calm down, leaving power stations redundant.

Dangerous elements found underground must be disposed of carefully.

Hydrological or Hydroelectric Power (HEP)

Energy harnessed from the movement of water through rivers, lakes and dams.

Creates water reserves as well as energy supplies.

Costly to build. Can cause the flooding of surrounding

communities. Dams have major ecological impacts

on local ecosystem.

Renewable or Nonrenewable Some resources can be either renewable or non-renewable depending on how quickly the resources are replaced. For example, wood can be used for fuel and is renewable if trees are replanted. Biomass, which is material from living things, also can be renewable if they are replanted or regrown.

Table 4: Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Sources of Energy

Type of fuel Where it is from Advantages Disadvantages

Biomass Biomass energy is generated from decaying plant or animal waste.

It can also be an organic material which is burned to provide energy.

An example of biomass energy is algae that produce biodiesel.

After treatment with chemicals it can be used as a fuel in diesel

It is a cheap and readily available source of energy.

If the crops are replaced, biomass can be a long-term, sustainable energy source.

Low in sulfur, reducing effect of acid rain

Easy to convert to portable fuel

When burned, it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.

If crops are not replanted, biomass is a non-renewable resource.

Moderate to high environmental impact.

14

15

16

19

17

20

18

engines. such as alcohol or gas.

Wood Obtained from felling trees, burned to generate heat and light.

A cheap and readily available source of energy.

If the trees are replaced, wood burning can be a long-term, sustainable energy source.

When burned it gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases.

If trees are not replanted wood is a non-renewable resource.

Moderate to high environmental impact.

This article examined the advantages and disadvantage of renewable and nonrenewable energy, but every resource, from the abundance of wildlife in our ecosystems to the water we use, falls into these categories. For example, water is plentiful on the blue planet, but only about 1% is accessible fresh water. Although water is constantly being cleaned and recycled through the earth’s water cycle, we use it far faster than it can naturally be replenished. With the exponentially increasing human population, these issues will only become more pressing. The time is now to preserve our environment for ourselves and future generations.

This article was synthesized from the following 3 sources by Troy Suarez:1. "Conserve Energy Future." Conserve Energy Future. Web. 03 May 2013.

(available: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ )2. "Energy." BBC News. BBC. Web. 03 May 2013. (available:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/energy_resources/energy_rev1.shtml http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ )

3. Nasir, Sarfaraz. "Pros and Cons of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Sources." Web. 3 May 2013.(available: http://www.iecycle.org/blog/index.php/2010/02/pros-and-cons-of-renewable-and-nonrenewable-energy-sources )

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#2 Explain why Earth’s resources are limited and will not last forever.

#1 How are natural resources related to energy production?

Directed Note-TakingRenewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Directions: Record notes containing the most important information relevant to the guiding question.

Page/Paragraph# Notes

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Guiding Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and nonrenewable resources?

Check Relevant Categories

Page/Paragraph# Notes

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Collaborative Work: After completing your chart, be prepared to compare your notes with others.

Additional Notes Page

Question Generator

Directions: Carefully review the text for words, phrases or statements that create questions in your mind. Discuss these questions in your group, and then document your group’s questions below.

Page/Paragraph# Notes

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Collaborative Work:After completing your chart, be prepared to compare your notes with others.

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Do your questions pertain to any of the categories on the right? If yes, place a check in the appropriate box.

Directions: Write your answer to the question using information you learned in this unit. Respond to the following prompt using the claim, evidence, reasoning framework for constructing a scientific explanation. Support your claim with evidence and explain how the evidence supports your response.

#3 The government of Gondwanaland, a large, wealthy island nation similar in size and climate to Australia, is having an energy crisis and is seeking the input of experts. They are quickly running out of nonrenewable resources and have not yet heavily invested in renewable energy sources. You have been commissioned to submit your position on the production of energy and resource consumption for Gondwanaland. Propose a plan (claim) for the sustainable use of energy that satisfies current and future energy needs while protecting the environment. Consult the exemplar for the proper way to use and cite sources.

Exemplar Essay Model

Writing Task: The government of Gondwanaland, a large, wealthy island nation similar in size and climate to Australia, is having an energy crisis and is seeking the input of experts. They are quickly running out of nonrenewable resources and have not yet heavily invested in renewable energy sources. You have been commissioned to submit your position on the production of energy and resource consumption for Gondwanaland. Propose a plan for the sustainable use of energy that satisfies current and future energy needs while protecting the environment.

One of the most important advances for the betterment of society over the last several hundred years has been the production and use of energy. Horse drawn carriages have given way to the automobile, while air-conditioning and in-house lighting has contributed to a more comfortable house. Because Gondwanaland has become so accustomed to these modern conveniences, the resources used to generate this energy—coal, crude oil, and natural gas—are quickly disappearing. In order to continue to meet their energy requirements in the future, they must begin to phase out the use of nonrenewable resources while adopting and investing in alternative energy sources.

Gondwanaland must decrease its use of fossil fuels not only because they are rapidly depleting, but also because they release atmospheric pollutants. The first step in the plan, therefore, must be for Gondwanaland to speedily phase out the use of these nonrenewable resources. According to chunk 11 in Table 2, oil and natural gas resources will be exhausted within the next 70 years. If these resources run out before Gondwanaland adopts new technologies, the country will face an unimaginable crisis. Not only will they have depleted their current supply of energy, but they will have nothing to fall back on. Furthermore, the production of energy through the use of fossil fuels releases pollutants some of which create greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 (Paragraph 4). According to paragraph 4, these greenhouse gases have also been linked to climate change. Over the past decade, a significant number of catastrophic climate-related events such hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornados have devastated countries around the globe. If Gondwanaland reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, scientists theorize that there may be a reduction in these events.

Because Gondwanaland has not yet invested in renewable resources, they cannot immediately reduce dependence on fossil fuels; therefore, a bridge between use of fossil fuels and renewable energy will be necessary. Table 4 discusses the use of biomass and wood in a renewable fashion. It stresses that they are “cheap and readily available sources of energy.” For those biotic resources that are renewable, it is imperative that they be replenished at least as quickly as they are consumed. Although this can bridge energy needs, caution is necessary as the burning of wood can “give off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases” (Table 4). An additional bridge between current energy supply and future energy demands can be found in nuclear technology. Chunk 9 of Table 1 states that, “sufficient supplies of fissionable material exist to satisfy energy demands for a long time.” Moreover, this resource “doesn’t give off atmospheric pollutants” (Chunk 9, Table 1). Though nuclear energy may be costly initially and it is not sustainable forever, the technology will provide large amounts of energy to bridge between Gondwanaland’s current use of fossil fuels and a more sustainable future using renewable energy such as solar, wind, tidal and wave.

The final step in the process is for Gondwanaland to adopt and invest in alternative energy sources. Chunks 15 and 16 of Table 3 state that tidal and wave resources are ideal for countries with large coastlines. Gondwanaland is a large island country surrounded by coastlines, so it will be an ideal location for wave and tidal resources. Some critics of the plan might argue that construction of generators will be costly (Table 3), but investing in these sources of energy today will produce abundant sustainable energy in the future. Another widely available resource to Gondwanaland is the sun. Chunk 13 of Table 3 indicates that the sun supplies a potential “infinite energy supply”. Solar energy even “provides electrical energy to rural areas” (Table 3, Chunk 13). Because Gondwanaland has a large desert biome and frequent sunshine, the sun can serve as a massive and sustainable energy source. Currently solar energy is not highly efficient, but technology is always improving. A final solution to Gondwanaland energy crisis is the construction and use of wind farms. According to Table 3, wind energy is one of the most efficient renewable sources of energy and can be used on land or in the ocean. The benefits of being both a large and island nation provide Gondwanaland with excellent resources for harnessing wind energy now and into the future.

In order for Gondwanaland to solve its energy crisis it must build a bridge from its current dependence on fossil fuels to more sustainable, renewable sources of energy. Adoption of this plan will prevent the catastrophic events which could accompany resource depletion. Looking to the welfare of its people today and tomorrow, a wealthy nation like Gondwanaland can afford to invest heavily in the these energy sources.

Common Core Writing Evaluation for Writing in Content AreasDesigned to support the PARCC Analytical Writing rubric

For each question below, if the answer is yes, proceed to the next question. Stop when the answer is “no” to assign the score in each category.Completion of Assignment

Did the student write a response to the prompt? If No, this paper is Unscorable

If Yes, proceed through the next 6 categories to assign a score1. Science Content

Does the writing identify a few of the necessary science elements relative to the essential question?

Does the response identify most of the necessary elements relative to the essential question? Does the response accurately identify the relationships between the elements relative to the

essential question? Does the response evidence an understanding of the relationship of this system to other

systems? YES to all = _____

Science Content Score:

No = ___

No = ___No = ___

No = ___

____2. Reading: Comprehension of Key Ideas and Details

Does the writing demonstrate some understanding of what the text says? Does the response include some text support (quotes or paraphrases) that support a basic

level of comprehension? Does the textual evidence support an accurate analysis of the text? Does the response show that the student fully comprehends the complex ideas expressed in

the text(s)? YES to all = 4

Reading: Comprehension of Key Ideas and Details Score:

No = 0 No = 1

No = 2 No = 3

_____

3. Writing: Written Expression - Development of Ideas Does the writing include a claim/thesis or statement of findings with details that address the

prompt in some way? Does the response include evidence or reasoning that is appropriate to the task, purpose, and

audience? Is the evidence clear, and does it support the student’s claim/thesis or findings effectively? Does the response provide clear and convincing development of an appropriate response to

the prompt? YES to all = 4

Writing: Written Expression - Development of Ideas Score:

No = 0

No = 1

No = 2 No = 3

_____

CCSS: Content Area Literacy SupportEvaluating Writing v. 1.011/2012

4. Writing: Written Expression - Organization Is the reader able to follow the writer’s progression of ideas through the response in any

way? Does the response include an introduction, conclusion, and supporting ideas that are grouped

in some logical way? Is the response clearly organized with introduction, conclusion, and ideas presented in a

logical progression? Does the response demonstrate a purposeful organization of elements and details within the

elements of the paper (e.g. compare-contrast, chronological, order of importance) that make it easy to follow the writer’s progression of ideas?

YES to all = 4

Writing: Written Expression - Organization Score:

No = 0 No = 1

No = 2

No = 3

_____

5. Writing: Written Expression – Clarity of Language Does the response include some content-related vocabulary and meet some of the norms

(e.g. headings, lists, or internal citations) of the assigned task? Does the response conform to the norms of the assigned task while including some precise

language (descriptive words, sensory details, and transitional words) or content-specific vocabulary?

Does the response effectively respond to the prompt within appropriate norms and conventions of the task using precise language (descriptive words, sensory details, and transitional words) and/or content-specific vocabulary?

Does the student use precise language (descriptive words, sensory details, and transitional words) consistently to support an effective style that attends to all the norms of the task?

YES to all = 4

Writing: Written Expression – Clarity of Language Score:

No = 0

No = 1

No = 2

No = 3

_____

6. Writing: Written Expression - Knowledge of Language and ConventionsNote: Questions in this category proceed until the answer is YES.

Does the response demonstrate a clear command of the conventions of standard English with few minor errors?

Is the response generally clear, demonstrating a command of the conventions of standard English with some distracting errors?

Does the response include inconsistent command of the conventions of standard English with a few patterns of errors that may impede meaning?

Does the writing demonstrate a limited command of the conventions of standard English with multiple errors that distract the reader and impede understanding?

NO to all = 0

Writing: Written Expression - Knowledge of Language and Conventions Score:

Yes = 4

Yes = 3

Yes = 2

Yes = 1

_____Final Writing Score*

Total Score:

Average Score for Sections 2 - 6:

___/___

___/5

*Note: Teachers may opt to use either method to calculate a writing score. A Total Score may be easiest to convert for grading purposes, while the Average Score provides a common score for conversations with grade level PLC’s or cross-content teams. Some teachers may wish to add a multiplier to the Reading Comprehension section to emphasize the importance of text-dependent writing outcomes.

Content Area Writing Definitions

CLAIM: an arguable, debatable statement

a belief you have about a topic

SpringBoard: a position statement (or thesis) that asserts an idea or makes an argument

Thesis: an expression of a claim; this is how you will argue your claim

CLAIM EVIDENCE:

SpringBoard: information that supports or proves an idea or claim; forms of evidence include facts, statistics (numerical facts), expert opinions, examples and anecdotes.

Use of facts, figures, details, questions or other sources of data and information that provide support towards claim

CommonCore (Appendix A page 23):

Language Arts: They [students] defend their interpretations or judgments with evidence from the text(s) they are writing about.

History/Social: students analyze evidence from multiple primary and secondary sources to advance a claim that is best supported by the evidence, and they argue for a historically or empirically situated interpretation.

Science: students make claims in the form of statements or conclusions that answer questions or address problems. Using data in a scientifically acceptable form, students marshal evidence and draw on their understanding of scientific concepts to argue in support of their claims.

COMMENTARY:

explanation of why or how the evidence supports the claim; the underlying assumption that connects your evidence to the claim

reasoning (or chain of reasoning) that connects the evidence to the claim

CLAIM CONNECTORS:

transitions establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of the writing

CONCLUSION/

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Literal: Restate the main point(s).

Answer the question: What did you say?

Interpretive: Explain the significance of your main point(s)

Answer the question: What does it mean?

Universal: Give your reader something to think about, a way to use your ideas in the “real world”.

Answer the question: Why does it matter?

Note-taking Guide Option #4a

CENTRAL CLAIMHow am I responding to the prompt?

CLAIMHow am I supporting my central claim?

EVIDENCEHow am I proving the claim?

REASONINGHow does the evidence connect with the

claim?

Note-taking Guide Option #4a

CENTRAL CLAIMHow am I responding to the prompt?

In order to continue to meet their energy requirements in the future, they must begin to quickly phase out the use of nonrenewable resources while quickly adopting and investing in alternative energy sources.

CLAIMHow am I supporting my central claim?

EVIDENCEHow am I proving the claim?

REASONINGHow does the evidence connect with the

claim?

Gondwanaland must decrease its use of fossil fuels not only because they are rapidly depleting, but also because they release atmospheric pollutants.

Fossil fuels are quickly diminishing. According to chunk 11 in Table 2, oil and natural gas resources will be exhausted within the next 70 years.

If these resources run out before Gondwanaland adopts new technologies, the country will face an unimaginable crisis. Not only will they have depleted their current supply of energy, but they will have nothing to fall back on.

The production of energy through the use of fossil fuels releases pollutants some of which create greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 (Paragraph 4). According to paragraph 4, these greenhouse gases have also been linked to climate change.

Over the past decade, a significant number of catastrophic climate related events such hurricanes, Tsunamis, and tornados have devastated countries around the globe. If we reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, scientists theorize that there may be a reduction in these events.

Concluding Commentary (if needed):

Because Gondwanaland has not yet invested in renewable resources, they cannot immediately reduce dependence on fossil fuels; therefore, a bridge between use of fossil fuels and renewable energy will be necessary.

Table 4 discusses the use of biomass and wood in a renewable fashion. It stresses that they are “cheap and readily available sources of energy.”

For those biotic resources that are renewable, it imperative that they be replenished at least as quickly as they are consumed. Although this can bridge energy needs, caution is necessary as the burning of wood can “give off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases” (Table 4).

Chunk 9 of Table 1 states that “Sufficient supplies of fissionable material exist to satisfy energy demands for a long time.” Moreover, there is a low environmental impact when running efficiently (Chunk 9, Table 1).

Though this may be costly initially, is not renewable nor sustainable forever, the technology will provide large amounts of energy to bridge between their current use of fossil fuels and a more sustainable future using renewable energy such as solar, wind, tidal and wave.

Concluding Commentary (if needed):

The final step in the process is for Gondwanaland to adopt and invest in alternative energy sources.

Chunks 15 and 16 of Table 3 state that tidal and wave sources are ideal for countries with large coastlines.

Gondwanaland is a large island country surrounded by coastlines with wave and tidal resources. Construction of generators will be costly initially (Table 3), but investing in these sources of energy today will produce abundant sustainable energy in the future.

Table 3, Chunk 13 indicates that there is a potential “infinite energy supply”: the sun. Solar energy can even “provides electrical energy to rural areas” (Table 3, Chunk 13).

Gondwanaland, having a large desert biome, has frequent sunshine. As a result, the sun can serve as a massive and sustainable energy source. Currently solar energy is not all that efficient, but technology is always improving.

According to Table 3, wind energy is one of the most efficient renewable sources of energy and can be used on land or in the ocean.

The benefits of being both a large and island nation provide Gondwanaland with excellent resources for harnessing wind energy now and into the future.

Concluding Commentary (if needed): The benefits of being both a large and island nation provide Gondwanaland with excellent resources for harnessing wind energy now and into the future.