Sixth graders at Old Mill Middle School North experiment with steam to understand clean, natural geothermal energy from the Earth.
Geothermal Education Resources
Geothermal Basics explained in plain language.
Geothermal Resource of the United States: Map from the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Energy Kids – Geothermal. Aimed at kids, this site appeals to audiences of all ages and covers geothermal basics, where geothermal can be found, uses of geothermal energy, geothermal power plants, geothermal heat pumps, and geothermal energy & the environment. (http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=geothermal_home-basics)
Energy Explained – Geothermal. The adult version of the Energy Kids site above. (http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=geothermal_home)
EERE Geothermal Basics: Geothermal technologies use the clean, sustainable heat from the Earth. Learn more about geothermal electricity production, direct-use geothermal technologies, and geothermal resources.
The Switch Energy Project is a film, web and education program to build energy awareness and efficiency, and help us move forward to a smarter energy future. This links takes you directly to their geothermal focused video clips. http://www.switchenergyproject.com/topics/geothermal
The Geysers. In the largest producing geothermal field in the world, just north of San Francisco, California, Calpine Corporation operates 15 geothermal power plants that collectively generate 725 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power a city the size of San Francisco! Take a look at their website, which explains how geothermal steam is turned into energy and an Historic Timeline.
CLEAN (Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network). Link to search of lesson plans, videos, and other resources from their vetted collection focused on geothermal.
DOE Energy 101. Geothermal Heat Pumps: An energy-efficient heating and cooling alternative, the geothermal heat pump system moves heat from the ground to a building (or from a building to the ground) through a series of flexible pipe "loops" containing water. This edition of Energy 101 explores the benefits Geothermal and the science behind how it all comes together.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.
For more on renewable energy education, visit the Energy Department's Education site.