Requirement #3: Hands-on activities¶
\(\boxed{\mathbb{REQ}\Large \rightsquigarrow}\) Do ALL of the following:
Using the requirements from the list of merit badges provided in Requirement #2.
Tell your counselor the energy source(s) used in these merit badges.
Discuss the pros and cons of each energy source with your counselor.
Make a list of sources of energy that may be possible to use in transportation.
With your counselor:
Discuss alternative sources of energy.
Discuss the pros and cons of using alternative energy sources.
Note
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is made from resources that nature will replace, like wind, water and sunshine. Renewable energy is also called “clean energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water.
One reason we can’t use renewable energy for everything (yet!) is that we can’t store up wind or sunshine, the same way we store gas in a tank or energy in coal. In addition, even though costs have decreased very quickly, it is still more expensive to generate electricity with solar or wind technology. However, scientists and engineers are working hard! As a result, costs are steadily decreasing and storage technology is improving steadily as well. Most of those advances are due to fundamental and applied research, in part funded by the government and in part by private companies.
Learn more about renewable energy here or here. The second link has lots of information on energy, check it out!
Examples of renewable energy technology. Image obtained from the https://c03.apogee.net/mvc/home/hes/land/el?utilityname=pseg&spc=kids&id=16183 website.¶
Attention
Once you have completed this requirement, make sure you document it in your worksheet!