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Go to the LZ 95 WebQuest
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Where Will We Get Enough Electricity From?
Grade: 7
Subject: Industrial Technology
Curricular Goal: To Problem solve our growing shortage of electricity, using emerging
technology standards, standards in science, mathematics, and language arts, in order to
propose a solution
Introduction:
In today's modern society, we depend on electricity for a variety of functions. It
provides light in our buildings, power for our appliances, and heat for our homes. We have
grown dependent on electricity as a source of power. We do not often imagine what could
occur if the electrical system failed. The closest nuclear power plant to Lake Zurich, at
Zion, was shut down in January of 1998. Our closest fossil fuel plant, in Waukegan, does
not have the capacity to continue to furnish necessary power to the growing Lake and
Northern Cook counties. As an experienced Electrical Engineer, you are called upon to make
a recommendation to the Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), on a solution to this true
and eminent problem.
Task:
You will research the Internet sites available, building a case for your recommendation to
the Commonwealth Edison Company. Upon arriving at a solution, you will type a business
letter to ComEd, submitting your solution. Your business letter will be of specific form,
according to the Business Letter Internet site provided. You will have four (4) convincing
points, designed to convince ComEd of your solution.
Process:
Using your textbook, Technology: Shaping Our World, read the section on page 183, which
describes one of the most severe power failures in U.S. history. When you have finished
this section, read the section titled "Generating Electricity" on pages 183-185.
Be sure to review the tables on page 186. Research the provided web sites. With your
partners/team, perform the I.D.E.A.L. Problem Solving Technique. (Identify the problem;
Discuss it:; Evaluate possible solutions; Apply a solution; Learn from your proposal by
submitting it to be tested.)
Resources:
1) Textbook, Technology; Shaping Our World
2) http://viking.stark.k12.oh.us/~greentown/electric.htm
3) http://www.smud.org/sitemap.html
4) http://businessvillage.com/java/voltage
5)
http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/photovoltaics.html
Evaluation:
| Criteria |
Level 4 Definition |
Level 3 |
Level 2 |
Level 1 |
| Clarity: Communicates topical ideas |
Stated the main elements of the letter with precision. Was concise and
accurate. The team used the pre-writing process grid to modify and improve their
narrative. |
Main topics were identified. Editing improved the overall clarity.
Revisions were apparent from pre-writing to the published version. |
Topical statements were embedded with the letter text. The final version was
similar to the rough draft. Proof reading was inconsistent. |
Main topics were indefinable. Little attempt was made to rewrite, edit, or
modify the draft, and the published version was hard to decipher, lacks clarity, is weak. |
| Organization: Structured letter writing by stating conditions, problems, results, and
rationale. |
Introduced the problem by stating existing conditions. Listed steps, procedures,
materials used to create solution. Articulated why chosen solution is best why other
possible solutions were ignored. |
Identified the problem in context. Described the solution in linear form.
Clearly articulated the technologists position. |
The problem was introduced with no contextual description. Materials, processes
were listed. No alternative solutions were identified or proffered. |
Though the problem was defined the team did not identify the elements of conditions
under which a solution could be attained. Materials, procedures, etc., were poorly
articulated. |
| Uses appropriate technical vocabulary and terminology. |
Refers to objects, materials, locations, conditions, etc., using technical vocabulary
and were suitable levels of complexity and difficulty for writer and audience. |
In most instances, vocabulary and technical terminology were correctly used and
materials, locations, etc., suitably identified. |
Technical vocabulary was evident tough occasionally processes, locations, materials,
etc., were labeled incorrectly or misidentified. |
Common vocabulary and non-technical terminology were used in descriptions and
definitions. The writing gave no evidence of technical education. |
| Applies and uses appropriate punctuation, spelling and structure. |
Enhanced clarity and understandings by always using proper written language.
There was a clear distinction between the narrative statement of conditions and the
argumentative defense component. |
Meanings and descriptions could be identified. Sentence structure, syntax, etc.,
was in accord with cognitive and developmental levels. There was distinction made
between the descriptive and persuasive component. |
Additional editing would have eliminated outstanding structure, syntax, etc., errors
though the writing was understandable and communicated the intent. Descriptive and
persuasive elements were blended. |
The writing demonstrated little developmental growth from rough to published
letter. No, or inconsistent attempts were made to rectify mechanical errors.
No cogent argument could be found within either descriptive or persuasive elements. |
| Offers supporting facts, evidence, proof to the reader. |
Position, defense, or argument was corroborated by a set of supporting data from
multiple external as well as internal sources. Reference to material learned thin
the technology experience was transferred to the argument. |
Supporting elements were present and corroborated the argument. A variety of
sources were used. There was evidence. |
Attempts to construct a defense were inconsistent due to a lack of sufficient
supporting data. Information gathered from informal sources, and personal opinion
were relied upon for corroboration. |
No defensible position or argument was viable due to lack of supporting data.
Persuasion was demonstrated through personal observation, opinion, lay knowledge or
hearsay. |
Conclusion:
You have now researched and proposed a solution, for electrical production to your
community of Lake Zurich and it's surrounding area. Consideration was given to the ecology
and needs of your community. Now, as future electrical generating facilities are covered
in the media, you will have knowledge upon which to formulate an opinion. Congratulations
on your care and concern, for the electrical needs of the Chicagoland area in which you
reside!
Return to LZ District 95 Home Page
Authors: Bob Vossel and John Fremault
Created: October 19, 1999
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