M3D2

Module 3

Even if our current energy needs can be met by nonrenewable sources, our ever-increasing demands for energy will require new energy sources. Research into some these sources may currently be in the very early stages. Many such emerging technologies will not have a substantial impact on our energy needs without additional research and development.

First:

1. Review
   • The Emerging Technologies and Looking Ahead sections (pages 24 – 34) from What You Need To Know About Energy.
2. Read
   • The Time Magazine article by Brian Walsh on Energy Independence
   • The CBS News report by Alexander Trowbridge on New Battery Technologies
3. Watch the TED talks about emerging energy technologies:
   • Steven Cowley: Fusion is energy’s future
   • Biofuels and bioprospecting for beginners – Craig A Kohn

Next, post to the discussion board:

• Answers to the following questions:
  1. In his TED talk, Steven Cowley calls fusion “the perfect energy source.” Using What You Need To Know About Energy and the Time Magazine article by Brian Walsh as your source for background information, what do you think is limiting the adoption of nuclear fusion as a source of energy?
  2. Craig Kohn advocates for using cellulose as an alternative source of energy. Using What You Need To Know About Energy as your source for background information, what do you think is limiting the adoption of cellulose-based biofuels as a source of energy?

Once you have posted your own discussion response, you are required to comment on the posts of at least two of your classmates. You can agree or disagree with their posts, but you must explain why you have chosen to do so. Remember, if you provide a quotation from a source (i.e., your textbook or the Internet), you must include the correct citation and reference. Also, be sure to read the feedback on your own major postings and reply to it throughout the module.

Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59 PM EST. Your responses are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM EST.

Compose your work using a word processor and save it, as a Plain Text or an .rtf, to your computer. When you’re ready to make your initial posting, please click on the “Create Thread” button and copy/paste the text from your document into the message field. Be sure to check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors before you post it.

Graded discussions are worth 30% of your total course grade and will be evaluated using the SLA Discussion Rubric [39.1 KB PDF file].

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