Bell Ringer
Instructions: Answer the prompt provided by your teacher.
Vocabulary
Instructions: Watch the Science of Wind video and listen for the vocabulary words.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Turbine | noun: a curved blade that generates electricity when moved by the wind | “Wind turbines are just a generator and some blades on top of a long pole.” |
| Generator | noun: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy | “When the wind blows it turns the generator and makes electricity.” |
| Emissions | noun: substances discharged into the air or atmosphere | “There’s no fuel to burn so there are no emissions.” |
| Renewable | noun: a natural resource that is of unlimited supply and can be replaced naturally | “It’s one of the most affordable renewables.” Note: While wind is renewable, wind turbines are not because they are made from mined resources, have a limited lifespan, and require disposal and replacement. |
| Onshore Wind | noun phrase: wind power harnessed from a site on land (versus offshore in the ocean) | “In the U.S. we have perhaps the greatest onshore wind resource in the world…” |
| Wind Corridor | noun: a stretch of land that is notably windy | “Texas sits at the base of the wind corridor…” |
| Transmission Lines | noun: the process of sending electricity from one place to another | “To move the power to users requires long-distance transmission lines.” |
| Overloaded | verb: when too much is put on something or someone, causing it to struggle or stop working properly | “…the wind farms soon overloaded the existing lines, so we needed new ones.” |
Quiz
Instructions: Circle the correct answer based on what you learned in the Science of Wind video.
Q1. Which statement describes advantages of using wind turbines to generate electricity?
- Turbines can be located anywhere and produce a constant supply of electricity.
- Turbines are quick to build and produce no CO2 emissions when generating.
- Turbines can be located anywhere and produce no CO2 emissions when generating.
- Turbines produce no CO2 emissions when generating and produce a constant supply of electricity.
Q2. What is one reason wind energy is especially suitable for farmers?
- Turbines are completely underground.
- Land beneath turbines can still be used for agriculture.
- They provide irrigation.
- Turbines increase rainfall.
Q3. What primary environmental concern of wind farms is highlighted in the video?
- bird fatalities
- massive land use
- unattractive views
- CO2 emissions
Q4. Why are long-distance transmission lines important for wind energy??
- Wind turbines are built in city centers.
- Windy areas are often far from where electricity is used.
- Wind energy needs to be stored for a long period of time.
- Transmission lines reduce noise pollution.