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e-Journal

Other Energy Sources (p. 518)


Step 1. Questions

You have read that most of the energy we use to produce electricity comes from fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and natural gas. Scientists have found other ways to produce energy. Wind and solar energy are two of these energy sources.

Write a persuasive letter about the importance of finding and using other energy sources. Before you begin, you will research alternative energy sources. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • Why is it important to find other sources of energy?
  • What are some renewable energy sources?
  • What reasons are likely to persuade people to use other energy sources?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research alternative energy sources at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your letter.



Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to tell whether the information on a Web site is reliable.


Energy Story
This Web site has a great deal of information about energy. Read the information to get the main idea. Learn about fossil fuels, solar energy, wind energy, and some other sources of energy, too. Choose a chapter from the Table of Contents to begin reading. Click CHAPTER 19 to learn why it is important to use less of each fossil fuel. This Web site is from the California Energy Commission.
Take Notes:



Energy Facts
Read about the many different sources of energy. Click NON-RENEWABLE to learn about nonrenewable energy. Click RENEWABLE to learn about the importance of using renewable energy sources. Click the names of the different energy sources to learn more about them. Remember to take notes about how people find and use these energy sources. This Web site is from the Department of Energy.
Take Notes:



Dr. E's Energy Lab
The U.S. Department of Energy provides this Web site. Click SOLAR ENERGY and WIND ENERGY to find out how these energy sources are being used to produce electricity. Click GEOTHERMAL ENERGY to see how scientists use heat from inside Earth to produce energy.
Take Notes:



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