Minds On
Hot or cold?
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
- What are various ways that a building could be heated or cooled?
- What might be some possible advantages and disadvantages of these methods?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Action
Geothermal energy
Explore this video entitled “How can I visit the center of the Earth?” to learn more about geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy is heat that is generated from the Earth.
In Greek, geo means “Earth” and thermal means “heat.”
As a renewable energy, geothermal energy can be gathered for human use. Almost anywhere in the world, geothermal heat can be accessed and used immediately as a source of heat. Most of these pockets of heat can be found just a few metres below the ground.
Geothermal heat pumps are drilled anywhere from 3 to 100m into the ground and use a pipe that is arranged in a continuous loop (also known as a “slinky loop”).
In colder seasons, the liquid in the pipes absorbs the geothermal heat and carries it into the home duct systems. In the summer, it works the opposite way. The liquid is warm when it enters the pipes from a building and carries the heat to be cooled underground. Geothermal heat pumps are considered one of the most energy efficient and environmentally safe heating and cooling systems.
A house in summer with a heat exchanger/pump underground, warm water flows down, warmer pipes cool in the ground and cooler water flows up and into the house. Compared to a house in winter with a heat exchanger/pump underground, cool water flow down, warmer ground heats the pipes and warm water flow up and into the house.
Did You Know?
Did you know?
A geothermal heat pump is more sustainable than traditional heating and cooling methods such as oil or gas because they only require electricity to run. They are one of the most efficient methods of heating and cooling and will save a residence about 75% of their energy usage.
Geothermal heat pipes are designed to be long-lasting without needing to be replaced and have very low operating costs. Lastly, because geothermal heat pumps are mainly underground, they do not omit any greenhouse gases or pollution.
Which one?
For this activity, reflect on your learning about geothermal energy to sort the statements as true or false.
Try It
Your turn!
Choose one of the answers that were false and explain why this statement was untrue.
You may refer to the information we previously explored about geothermal energy to support your thoughts and ideas.
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Pros and cons
Like any future technologies, there are pros and cons to geothermal heat pumps.
Let’s research the pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages) of geothermal heat pumps.
Before engaging in the research process, check out the following research process.
Explore this video to learn about the steps of the Scientific Research Process.
We can begin our research with safe, reliable, and reputable sources, like government websites and many others that provide information about green energy and sustainable living.
Consider the benefits or costs associated with geothermal energy in terms of its environmental impact, its impact on communities and the money it would cost to use geothermal energy.
Complete the Geothermal Pros and Cons Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Geothermal Pros and Cons Activity
Record your jot notes as you research the pros and cons of geothermal energy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Geothermal Pros and Cons Activity.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
Let’s reflect on the following questions:
- Is the impact of geothermal energy on the environment positive or negative?
- Is the impact of geothermal energy on the community positive or negative?
- Is the cost to use geothermal energy considered a positive or negative?
Record your responses in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Geothermal technician
A geothermal technician is someone who operates, maintains, or repairs geothermal power plants and residential geothermal heating installations.
Part of their role is considering the factors, including health, economic, and environmental factors, that will be impacted by the installation of geothermal power. They make sure the initial installation, testing and maintenance of equipment, and all safety regulations are followed.
In a power plant, geothermal technicians install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.
In a residential setting, they would do the following:
First, they would calculate the heat loss and gain factors for a building.
Then, they would determine the type of geothermal heat pump that is most suitable for the property and the needs.
Next, they would design the geothermal heat pump according to the property characteristics, requirements, regulations, and other factors.
When installing the geothermal heat pump, they would also need to be able to operate an excavator, rock hammer, pavement saw, grout mixer, weld pipes, etc. They also dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths, lay piping in trenches, and backfill the trenches to protect pipes from damage.
Geothermal technicians perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping. They integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.
Student Success
Let’s think!
If possible, with a partner, create a list of what a technician considers before installing a geothermal heat pump.
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
When ready, press ‘Let’s Check!’ to access a possible list.
A geothermal technician considers:
- the heat loss and gain factors
- the best type of heat pump
- the property they are installing it on
- any rules or regulations they need to follow (including safety)
- what other equipment they might need to install it
- how they will test the geothermal heat pump
Consolidation
Learning check!
For each sentence, select the missing word from the drop-down menu.
Future impacts
This learning activity connects new and existing approaches for young scientists to create positive changes in their communities.
Making connections
Reflect on your learning and respond to one of the following questions:
- Do you believe that geothermal heat pumps could be the future of heating and cooling for all residential areas and / or business? Why or why not? Use specific examples from what you’ve learned throughout this learning activity.
- You’ve been hired by a company to research and prepare a presentation for geothermal heat pumps. Create a detailed diagram, written component, or audio recording about a geothermal heat pump, including all of the necessary components and how it works. Use your learning from the Action section to help support your response.
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.