Energy and place and essential questions
Joint scientific statement
In a coal power plant, the coal is first pulverized by crushing, impact and rubbing it to make it into a finer than face powder then transports the coal into a furnace. The heat from the coal travels to water-filled pipes which are located on the furnace walls. The furnace-boiler vaporizes the water into steam which is passed through to the turbine. The turbine shares a common shaft with the generator that produces electric energy in the form of voltage and current. The condenser is a heat ex-changer, where it is liquefied in tubes by a near by a water source(EPA). After the coal is burnt, the ash from the coal is charred in boilers that generate for power generation and industrial applications(Arizona).
1.) "Coal Ash." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 30 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm/coalandcoalash.html>
2.) "Coal-fired Power Plant ." Arizona State University . Arizona . . Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
<http://holbert.faculty.asu.edu/eee463/coal.html >
3.)Coal Power Plant. N.d. Photograph. Web. <https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?
q=tbn:ANd9GcRbHK3YQ4OIJOnu9NHLCiByIfX7YtjT8NhWq0Ric1VqigpolAgeTQ>
1.) "Coal Ash." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 30 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm/coalandcoalash.html>
2.) "Coal-fired Power Plant ." Arizona State University . Arizona . . Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
<http://holbert.faculty.asu.edu/eee463/coal.html >
3.)Coal Power Plant. N.d. Photograph. Web. <https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?
q=tbn:ANd9GcRbHK3YQ4OIJOnu9NHLCiByIfX7YtjT8NhWq0Ric1VqigpolAgeTQ>
Opening and Closing statements
Opening Statements:
OK let’s face it. No matter what coal is in fact the dirtiest substance that we use for our energy, it contaminates everything that it comes in contact with and creates problems at every step in its life cycle: From unhealthy and unsafe underground mines, to the environmental catastrophe of mountaintop removal, to the problems associated with handling the enormous piles of ash that are produced every day. Today U.S plants annually release about 176,000 pounds of lead, 161,000 pounds of chromlum and 100,000 pounds of arsenic. Just to point out, all those chemicals are very harmful to human beings. According to the EPA, coal contributes 31 percent of all CO2, leading to smog-ruined cities. Now please place yourselves in the shoes of an individual in India where their visibility is low, where they are affected by that smog, where they must sacrifice every single day watching their land disappear and finally because they know energy is important.
Closing Statements:
Knowing that we as a nation, we have an enormous and ever-growing appetite for energy. Considering that coal accounts for 40 percent of all electric generation and 21 percent of all energy in the US, yes. I understand that is a lot of energy to replace. But the chances of finding something that is reasonable to protect our land and our future is slim. Realizing that coal plants release more radiation than nuclear plants, and to add on top of that it pumps 96,000 pounds of Mercury in the air each year. Do you think we can sacrifice avoiding the acid rain from the contribution of coal burning according to the Environmentalist Defense Fund?
OK let’s face it. No matter what coal is in fact the dirtiest substance that we use for our energy, it contaminates everything that it comes in contact with and creates problems at every step in its life cycle: From unhealthy and unsafe underground mines, to the environmental catastrophe of mountaintop removal, to the problems associated with handling the enormous piles of ash that are produced every day. Today U.S plants annually release about 176,000 pounds of lead, 161,000 pounds of chromlum and 100,000 pounds of arsenic. Just to point out, all those chemicals are very harmful to human beings. According to the EPA, coal contributes 31 percent of all CO2, leading to smog-ruined cities. Now please place yourselves in the shoes of an individual in India where their visibility is low, where they are affected by that smog, where they must sacrifice every single day watching their land disappear and finally because they know energy is important.
Closing Statements:
Knowing that we as a nation, we have an enormous and ever-growing appetite for energy. Considering that coal accounts for 40 percent of all electric generation and 21 percent of all energy in the US, yes. I understand that is a lot of energy to replace. But the chances of finding something that is reasonable to protect our land and our future is slim. Realizing that coal plants release more radiation than nuclear plants, and to add on top of that it pumps 96,000 pounds of Mercury in the air each year. Do you think we can sacrifice avoiding the acid rain from the contribution of coal burning according to the Environmentalist Defense Fund?
Project reflection
-What motion did you debate and what side of the debate were you arguing?
The motion was based off the San Juan coal power plant and if we should keep it or not. I argued for the power plant to be closed in this debate.
-What was your initial position on the motion: for, against or undecided? Final position?
At the beginning of the debate, I chose to go for the motion and after the debate and listening to my peers arguments; I am undecided of keeping coal energy.
-Discuss how your position on the motion changed over the course of this project. What arguments, evidence and reflections on place either caused you to question your position, change your mind or solidified your opinion?
Well since I am Native American, I have a different perspective then others but over the course of gathering evidence I feel that we are too attached to this certain type of energy by the amount that we use each day. An example of a piece of evidence that shifted my perspective was that we use 21% of energy in the US which is hard to replace.
-What arguments and pieces of evidence do you find to be strongest for each side of the motion?
Well after gathering evidence I found that the strongest argument for the opposing side was that it was cheap energy, 20$ per ton. And for in favor, our strongest argument was the health risk and the amount of chemicals that coal power plants release each year. For example, coal power plants annually release about 176,000 pounds of lead, 161,000 pounds of chromlum and 100,000 pounds of arseic.
- What question(s) would you like to research further to have better understanding of energy issues? They can be related to the motion but do not need to be.
I think I would to like to research more about alternative energy, like wind and solar. I think knowing more about these types of energy would add value to me and gathering more understanding of what’s better for our environment.
-Watch your debate and assess your performance in the debate. What aspects went well? What aspects did not go as well as you would have liked? If you had a chance to do it again what would you do differently? Consider the arguments you used, how you responded to your opponents questions and how you presented yourself.
After watching the debate video, I think that I spoke clearly and addressed my opening and closing statements properly. I think what didn't go well for me was that I did not memorize my arguments, so I continued looking at my notes and not at the group. If I did have a chance to redo it, I would defiantly memorize my opening and closing statements and be prepared. Another thing that I would differently was to answer some of the opponents questions, I felt a little nervous to answer them. Once again if I got to redo my debate, I would prepare those questions and give persuasive answers.
-Perform a fact check on two statements made by your opponents (or your teammates) during the debate. Clearly indicate the statements you are checking and what you discovered.
The two facts that I am checking is by one of my teammates where she declares that the San Juan coal power plant releases more than 5,500 tons of carbon dioxide. The other fact is that the power plant releases more than 191,495 pounds of other poisons into the air, including 51 pounds of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, 662 pounds of selenium, 35,553 pounds of sulfuric acid, and more than 34,844 pounds of hydrochloric acid. After this I have discovered that these are credible resources that were used in the debate to notify that coal power plants are toxic.
The motion was based off the San Juan coal power plant and if we should keep it or not. I argued for the power plant to be closed in this debate.
-What was your initial position on the motion: for, against or undecided? Final position?
At the beginning of the debate, I chose to go for the motion and after the debate and listening to my peers arguments; I am undecided of keeping coal energy.
-Discuss how your position on the motion changed over the course of this project. What arguments, evidence and reflections on place either caused you to question your position, change your mind or solidified your opinion?
Well since I am Native American, I have a different perspective then others but over the course of gathering evidence I feel that we are too attached to this certain type of energy by the amount that we use each day. An example of a piece of evidence that shifted my perspective was that we use 21% of energy in the US which is hard to replace.
-What arguments and pieces of evidence do you find to be strongest for each side of the motion?
Well after gathering evidence I found that the strongest argument for the opposing side was that it was cheap energy, 20$ per ton. And for in favor, our strongest argument was the health risk and the amount of chemicals that coal power plants release each year. For example, coal power plants annually release about 176,000 pounds of lead, 161,000 pounds of chromlum and 100,000 pounds of arseic.
- What question(s) would you like to research further to have better understanding of energy issues? They can be related to the motion but do not need to be.
I think I would to like to research more about alternative energy, like wind and solar. I think knowing more about these types of energy would add value to me and gathering more understanding of what’s better for our environment.
-Watch your debate and assess your performance in the debate. What aspects went well? What aspects did not go as well as you would have liked? If you had a chance to do it again what would you do differently? Consider the arguments you used, how you responded to your opponents questions and how you presented yourself.
After watching the debate video, I think that I spoke clearly and addressed my opening and closing statements properly. I think what didn't go well for me was that I did not memorize my arguments, so I continued looking at my notes and not at the group. If I did have a chance to redo it, I would defiantly memorize my opening and closing statements and be prepared. Another thing that I would differently was to answer some of the opponents questions, I felt a little nervous to answer them. Once again if I got to redo my debate, I would prepare those questions and give persuasive answers.
-Perform a fact check on two statements made by your opponents (or your teammates) during the debate. Clearly indicate the statements you are checking and what you discovered.
The two facts that I am checking is by one of my teammates where she declares that the San Juan coal power plant releases more than 5,500 tons of carbon dioxide. The other fact is that the power plant releases more than 191,495 pounds of other poisons into the air, including 51 pounds of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, 662 pounds of selenium, 35,553 pounds of sulfuric acid, and more than 34,844 pounds of hydrochloric acid. After this I have discovered that these are credible resources that were used in the debate to notify that coal power plants are toxic.
Hunger for
Food, Hunger for Nicotine
By: Brittney Smith
Of course we know that this so-called miraculous explorer settled on this land, learning from the ways of Native Americans and bringing their teachings to Europe. His name was Christopher Columbus. He has been accused of many matters, one his greater crimes were introducing the people to tobacco but do we thank him for introducing this pandemic substance?
Living in this world we are required to have these essentials to live such as food and water. These elements are a priority of our daily consumption, and if we stop we will eventually die. When hooked on nicotine, it becomes your food and if you stop using you crave for that “ahh” feeling of that first drag8.
My research shows, an alkaloid is an organic compound made out of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sometimes oxygen1. This means that the nicotine is a chemical that is a part of many plants including the tobacco plant. The primary source of nicotine is extracted from the dried leaves of the tobacco plant. The chemical formula for nicotine is C10H14N26. The molecule of Nicotine is shaped like a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine and its receptors are involved in many functions, including muscle movement, breathing, heartbeat, learning, and memory.
Immediately after nicotine has entered through the body, it enters the brain and emits neurons that create dopamine3. Neurotransmitter conveys the feeling of pleasure and leaves the dopamine thinking that it’s dependent on nicotine to survive, thus continuing the smoking habit. An alkoid is a nitrogenous organic molecule that has a pharmacological effect on humans and animals.
Being a part of the Native American ancestry, the rules of using tobacco is only for ceremonial purposes. Clarence, who is from the Black Feet tribe in Montana comments, “Because everything has an indicial purpose, and when we over indulge it becomes unhealthy.” I, also being a part of that tribe has learned that when using tobacco in pipes of ceremony, you barley inhale the smoke, the reason being that human bodies aren’t meant to inhale things that are a threat towards our health.
According to Federal Judge Kessler, “Smoking kills more people than murder, AIDS, suicide, drugs, car crashes and alcohol combined1.”
Keep it sacred. Yes, keep tobacco sacred because today more Native Americans have the highest rate of tobacco abuse. Overall, American Indians and Alaskan Americans (AL/ANs) subgroups are current smokers than any other racial/ethnic. Cancer is the leading cause of death among AL/ANs and tobacco use is an important risk factor7.
Furthermore when someone who has grown their own tobacco, it’s not polluted with any of the chemicals that cigarette industries put inside to add more pleasure and especially more addiction. Did you know that there are 4,000 other ingredients other than nicotine? A few of the ingredients are: Methyl isocyanate which is a cancer-causing radioactive element, carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas, and lead which can be poisonous in high doses4.
By: Brittney Smith
Of course we know that this so-called miraculous explorer settled on this land, learning from the ways of Native Americans and bringing their teachings to Europe. His name was Christopher Columbus. He has been accused of many matters, one his greater crimes were introducing the people to tobacco but do we thank him for introducing this pandemic substance?
Living in this world we are required to have these essentials to live such as food and water. These elements are a priority of our daily consumption, and if we stop we will eventually die. When hooked on nicotine, it becomes your food and if you stop using you crave for that “ahh” feeling of that first drag8.
My research shows, an alkaloid is an organic compound made out of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sometimes oxygen1. This means that the nicotine is a chemical that is a part of many plants including the tobacco plant. The primary source of nicotine is extracted from the dried leaves of the tobacco plant. The chemical formula for nicotine is C10H14N26. The molecule of Nicotine is shaped like a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine and its receptors are involved in many functions, including muscle movement, breathing, heartbeat, learning, and memory.
Immediately after nicotine has entered through the body, it enters the brain and emits neurons that create dopamine3. Neurotransmitter conveys the feeling of pleasure and leaves the dopamine thinking that it’s dependent on nicotine to survive, thus continuing the smoking habit. An alkoid is a nitrogenous organic molecule that has a pharmacological effect on humans and animals.
Being a part of the Native American ancestry, the rules of using tobacco is only for ceremonial purposes. Clarence, who is from the Black Feet tribe in Montana comments, “Because everything has an indicial purpose, and when we over indulge it becomes unhealthy.” I, also being a part of that tribe has learned that when using tobacco in pipes of ceremony, you barley inhale the smoke, the reason being that human bodies aren’t meant to inhale things that are a threat towards our health.
According to Federal Judge Kessler, “Smoking kills more people than murder, AIDS, suicide, drugs, car crashes and alcohol combined1.”
Keep it sacred. Yes, keep tobacco sacred because today more Native Americans have the highest rate of tobacco abuse. Overall, American Indians and Alaskan Americans (AL/ANs) subgroups are current smokers than any other racial/ethnic. Cancer is the leading cause of death among AL/ANs and tobacco use is an important risk factor7.
Furthermore when someone who has grown their own tobacco, it’s not polluted with any of the chemicals that cigarette industries put inside to add more pleasure and especially more addiction. Did you know that there are 4,000 other ingredients other than nicotine? A few of the ingredients are: Methyl isocyanate which is a cancer-causing radioactive element, carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas, and lead which can be poisonous in high doses4.
How has the chemistry of materials shaped our past and present and how may it shape our future?
Our understanding about air, our understanding of atoms is all related to chemistry. And all of these ideas has changed of how it shaped our past. There can be bad and good varieties of each material. Chemical discoveries like TNT, aspirin, plastics, cosmetics and so much more has impacted our lives today and how we live by using them. Providing us to learn more about chemistry today. Chemistry has fostered into our daily life an example of this is the knowledge that we gain, for example how it effects our motivation to save others like the toxins in materials. It has also shaped our future by letting us learn from the lessons, to make a better environment to live in.
How does the chemical structure of a material determine its properties?
The chemical structure of a material is determined by its properties of the reaction. For example, if you take plastic. It can be changed by thermal heat and or shaped. An example of this is when you melt metal, we can mold it into different things.