EDSS 541 RR # 5
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EDSS 541 RR # 2


Activity 7.1:
In discussing possible topics for our ITU Harry and I decided on the controversial subject of Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as "Fracking".  This subject should allow us to incorporate our two disciplines, as well as Social Science, and  English components. Although our two disciplinary focuses are Physics, and Earth/Planetary Science, we will come up with lesson plans that incorporate other potential disciplines (Social Science/Mathematics). 

7.2: Some Essential Questions for our theme:

What are the economic/environmental implications of tapping into this reserve of natural gas? 

This question explores the costs (both economic and environmental) in obtaining a potentially vast reserve of energy. Students will need to weigh benefits and costs (both realized and potential).

How is it possible to apply enough force to fracture a rock formation miles underground?  Which speaks to how fracking works and leads into the subjects of hydraulics, i.e. pressure, Pascal’s principal, how Pascal’s principle reflects the definition of work and how hydraulic systems relate to simple machines.

How does the greenhouse effect work?  Which speaks to the ecological implications of finding abundant new sources of cheap fossil fuels and leads into a whole range of Physics, possibly more than we can really cover.  Quantum theory, optics, the nature of light, the Bohr model of the atom are all needed to understand scattering and the greenhouse effect.  Or, we could leave it at “The Greenhouse Effect”.  

Where does electricity come from?  Which addresses both ecological and political/economic implications of  fracking by way of the fact that natural gas is the currently preferred fuel fior electrical generating plants.  A complete coverage of the question brings in thermodynamics and E&M as well as nuclear physics and solid state physics, if one goes so far as to cover nuclear and solar energy.