Non-renewable Energy

In this engaging project, students get to explore the different methods of coal mining by creating a physical 3D model out of foam board. Using their creativity and problem-solving skills, students construct a model that showcases the different mining techniques, including underground methods such as drift, slope, and shaft mining, as well as surface mining methods such as mountaintop, contour, auger, and area mining. Students then select one of these methods and present to the class the sustainability of it through the lenses of economics, environmental impact, and social concerns. This project offers a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the impact of coal mining, as well as develop skills in research, presentation, and critical thinking.

In this engaging project, students get to explore the different methods of coal mining by creating a physical 3D model out of foam board. Using their creativity and problem-solving skills, students construct a model that showcases the different mining techniques, including underground methods such as drift, slope, and shaft mining, as well as surface mining methods such as mountaintop, contour, auger, and area mining. Students then select one of these methods and present to the class the sustainability of it through the lenses of economics, environmental impact, and social concerns. This project offers a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the impact of coal mining, as well as develop skills in research, presentation, and critical thinking.

In this exciting project, students get to design and build their own functioning model of an oil spill skimmer that can clean up a mock oil spill on water. Using materials such as foam, plastic, and other found objects, students create a device that can collect the oil from the surface of the water and transfer it to a collection container. Students will test their skimmers by creating a mock oil spill using dyed vegetable oil in a testing tank, and measuring the effectiveness of their skimmer in terms of how much oil it can collect. This project offers a hands-on way for students to learn about the impact of oil spills on the environment, as well as develop skills in engineering, problem-solving, and data analysis.

Students get to construct a miniature natural gas processing plant using found materials and basic equipment. They will learn about the various stages involved in processing natural gas, including removing impurities and separating methane from other hydrocarbons. Students can also perform experiments to analyze the heating value of natural gas and compare it to other fuels, while exploring the environmental impact of natural gas extraction and its role in energy production. This project provides a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the science and engineering behind natural gas, as well as its impact on the environment and the energy industry.

This project aims to enhance students' understanding of fossil fuels through core sampling. In teams, students extract several core samples using a clear straw from various cups with different-colored sand layers. By studying these samples, students can better comprehend the nature and properties of fossil fuels. This engaging and interactive project promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry.

This project challenges students to design a team-based pumping system that extracts oil from reservoir rocks. Using straws and chocolate milk to represent oil, students work collaboratively to create an effective and efficient system. By engaging in this hands-on activity, students gain practical knowledge of oil extraction and engineering principles. This creative and interactive project encourages teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

This project provides a collaborative learning experience for students to understand the refining process of crude oil. Working in teams, students use a hot plate to separate oil (vinegar) from a mixture of crude oil (milk and vinegar). Through this hands-on activity, students gain practical knowledge of the refining process and chemical properties of crude oil. This engaging and interactive project fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

In this interactive project, students get to learn about tar sands by creating a physical model that demonstrates the process of extracting and refining bitumen from tar sands. Using materials such as sand, clay, and other solvents, students will extract bitumen from the tar sands and study its properties. They will also explore the environmental impact of tar sands by conducting experiments that simulate water pollution and habitat destruction. Through this project, students will gain a better understanding of the science and engineering behind tar sands, as well as the environmental and social impacts of its extraction and processing.

This project challenges students to create a foam board silhouette of a fossil fuel symbol, such as a gas pump or propane can. After completing the project, students participate in a gallery walk where they add sticky notes to the board with positive economic, environmental, or social effects on the top and negative effects on the bottom. This creative and interactive project promotes critical thinking, reflection, and awareness of the impact of fossil fuels. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and trade-offs involved in energy production and consumption.

​This project challenges students to understand the process of radioactive decay by simulating it with M&Ms. Working in teams, students shake a cup filled with 100 M&Ms and count how many remain intact and how many break or crack. By repeating the process and recording their results, students can gain practical knowledge of the principles of radioactive decay. This engaging and interactive project promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and patterns of atomic decay.

This project challenges students to understand the process of milling uranium ore through a hands-on simulation. Students collect a mixture of uranium ore (salt, sand, and gravel) and use a filter to remove the largest particles. They then mix the screened ore with water and pour it over a breaker, setting the "waste rock" aside. They pour the water into an evaporating dish to evaporate the water, leaving behind the uranium. By measuring the mass of each step, students can determine the percentage of uranium in the sample. This interactive project promotes critical thinking, practical knowledge, and scientific inquiry.

​This project challenges students to understand the principles of nuclear fuel rod assemblies by creating a model. In teams, students use different-sized straws and fill them with various materials to represent fuel pellets. By designing and constructing their models, students gain practical knowledge of the assembly process and properties of nuclear fuel. This creative and interactive project promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and trade-offs involved in nuclear energy production.