Geothermal Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Earth
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kqedcl11.sci.ess.geothermalenergy/
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kqedcl11.sci.ess.geothermalenergy/
KQED, Teachers' Domain
This video describes how geothermal heat resources in California have been tapped to supply 850 MW of electricity. Images and animations show how the area known as The Geysers has been developed to capture steam, produced from trapped rainwater and heated by the earth. Major challenges include finding suitable geothermal resources to develop, and ensuring that underground water is replenished.
Video length 7:36 min.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»Grade Level
Regional Focus
Climate Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
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Energy Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- After viewing this video and associated materials, students could explore other areas of the country (or world) that are utilizing or developing geothermal energy sources.
About the Content
- Video explains how geothermal energy is tapped, converted to steam, transported to generators, and and converted to electricity.
- Comments from expert scientist: Highlights challenges with drilling, including its high cost. Focuses on geothermal steam power plants, which are rare.
About the Pedagogy
- A full transcript, a lesson plan and an educators guide are also available on a related pdf file: related teachers' guide
- Additional information is available in the producer's notes for this video http://ww2.kqed.org/quest/2008/11/18/producers-notes-geothermal-heats-up/.