Energy Resources
A resource that can be replaced naturally in a relatively short period of time is called this.
a renewable resource
Energy is defined as the ability to do this.
Work
student presses a key on a keyboard. Which stage of the IPO model is occurring?
Input
The worldwide network that connects computers is called this.
Internet
What are the similarities and differences between weather and climate?
Weather describes day-to-day conditions, climate describes long-term patterns.
Both wind and hydroelectric power generate electricity using moving turbines. What causes the turbines to spin in each system?
moving air in wind power and moving water in hydroelectric power
A sailboat moving across a lake uses wind energy directly. A wind turbine uses wind energy differently. What extra step occurs in a wind turbine?
wind's movement is converted into electricity
A monitor and a printer belong to the same category of devices. What category is it?
output devices
A search engine and a web browser are not the same thing. Which one helps you find information online?
search engine
Calgary and Vancouver are at similar latitudes, yet Vancouver has milder winters. What geographic factor helps explain this?
proximity to the Pacific Ocean
A community wants an energy source that produces very little air pollution but can still generate electricity at night. Why might solar energy alone be a challenge?
Solar panels cannot generate electricity without sunlight
Solar panels and biofuels both require processing before they can provide useful energy. Explain what "processing" means.
changing a resource into a form humans can use for energy
A student types a sentence, the computer checks the spelling, and the corrected sentence appears on screen. Identify the Input, Process, and Output.
keyboard = input, spell-checking = processing, corrected text on screen = output
Two websites provide different information about climate change. Name two things you should check before deciding which is more trustworthy.
author/source and the evidence or references provided
Banff is usually colder than Calgary even though the cities are relatively close together. Why?
Banff is at a higher altitude
Coal is often criticized despite producing large amounts of electricity. Identify one environmental cost and one economic benefit.
pollution/greenhouse gases are an environmental cost, while reliable electricity and jobs are economic benefits
A hydroelectric dam creates electricity without burning fuel. Why might environmental groups still oppose building one?
dams can disrupt rivers, fish habitats, and ecosystems
A computer receives information from a keyboard, but nothing appears on the screen. Which part of the IPO process is most likely failing?
Output
A website looks professional but contains no author, no sources, and many spelling mistakes. Explain why this should make you question its reliability.
information cannot be verified and may not be accurate
A large volcanic eruption sends ash into the atmosphere. Predict how this could affect Earth's temperature in the short term and explain why.
temperatures may cool because ash blocks some sunlight from reaching Earth
A remote northern community is deciding between building a wind farm or transporting coal by truck. Using availability, environmental impact, and accessibility, argue which option may be better.
wind energy may be better because it is renewable, produces less pollution, and reduces the need to transport fuel long distances
A city wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping electricity affordable. Why might using several energy sources be better than relying on only one?
different energy sources balance reliability, cost, and environmental impacts
A touchscreen is often described as both an input and output device. Explain why.
displays information to the user and also receives touch commands from the user
A friend sends you a link and asks for your password to access a shared account. Explain two reasons why sharing your password is risky.
passwords can be stolen, shared further, or used to access personal information without permission
A species of insect that once lived only in southern regions is now found much farther north. Explain how climate change could be responsible.
warmer temperatures allow the insects to survive in areas that were previously too cold