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2018-2019 - Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project: Introduction

Overview

Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project

 

Overview, from Ms. Dygve's Project

"This project allows you the opportunity to investigate the Atlantic Coast pipeline and alternative energy sources as potential energy sources for the state of Virginia. Each group will be given a role (at random): Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau, or Virginia Legislature member.

PRESENTERS (Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge and Appalachian Plateau)

Presenters will develop a 5-7 minute presentation for the Virginia Legislature.  The presentation should aim to inform Virginia Legislature members about the geology of their province, whether or not they think the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a good option for their province and what alternative energy sources would work best in their province.

 

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE MEMBERS

Virginia Legislature members will research the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the provinces and alternative energy sources to gain a basic understanding of each.  Each member of your groups will formulate 2-3 questions to ask EACH of the presenters. Questions should be specific for each of the provinces."

 

For full details, visit Ms. Dygve's Assignment Document & Google Site. (Create a personal copy of the assignment overview for future reference). 

Virginia, USA, satellite image. Photograph. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia 

Britannica, 2 Mar 2017. quest.eb.com/search/132_1458370/1/132_1458370/cite. Accessed 18 Mar 2019.

Citizen Presenters

VA REGION CITIZEN PRESENTERS

"Questions that should be answered in your presentation:

  1. Give a detailed description of the Geology of your regions. Include the age, topography, resources found, type of rocks found and any important geological history.
  2. Address common concerns associated with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline for your region. What are apparent environmental impacts associated with the ACP.
  3. What alternative energy would work best in your region?
  4. How does this technology work and how could this energy source be used in your region? What are at least 2 examples of its current use?  Are these examples currently successful?
  5. Does the costs of this technology make it prohibitive for common use?  Why or why not?
  6. What are the benefits of this alternative energy source? (Must have at least 3 benefits)
  7. What is the greatest factor that has kept this alternative energy source from being used in your region? How could this be overcome?"

Opening Activity

With your group, review the assignment responsibilities (select the correct role) and take notes in the research planner.

Begin by OPENING and SHARING this document (make one copy per group) with your group members and teacher.

  • What do you already know that will enable you to answer the questions for your group? Take notes as a group.
  • What questions do you need to answer? Rephrase the questions in your own words and create a "to-do" list, with each group member's assignment.
  • What types of information will help you answer the outstanding questions? Create a list. 

 

Class Discussion

  • What are the benefits of using sources vetted by multiple people and reputable scholars? 
  • How will you determine the reliability and credibility of your sources?
  • And ultimately, how will you decide which alternative energy choice is best? 

VA Legislators

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE MEMBERS

"You will be put into groups of three to prepare for the VA legislature meeting.

Preparation for Virginia Legislature meeting (these will be collected):

  1. Research each of the physiographic provinces - make sure you are aware of their geology and energy needs for Virginia and the each of the physiographic provinces.
  2. As a Virginia legislature member, your job is to be an expert about the energy needs of Virginia and how the Atlantic Coast pipeline will address those need.
  3. Research each of the alternative energy sources – biomass, wind, hydropower, nuclear, solar or geothermal – and answer the following question: How does these technologies work and how could this energy source be used in Virginia?
  4. Your groups should have 3-5 bullets points to represent your general understanding of each of the physiographic provinces.
  5. You should have 3-5 bullets points to represent your general understanding of each of the alternative energy sources.
  6. Each group member should prepare 2-3 questions for EACH of the presentations. (6-9 questions total)."