Completely turn off appliances when not in use – don’t leave them on standby. Unplug devices that do not need to be connected to a network when they are not in use. Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) instead of traditional incandescent light bulbs. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. If possible, hang washing out to dry instead of using the tumble dryer.
Activity 1. Draw a basic diagram of each room in your house. List the devices that require electricity in each room. Which rooms use more electricity?
2. Consider how electricity is wasted in each room. Draw a new plan of every room and suggest ways that electricity can be conserved in each room.
Nature of Science
In this chapter we learned about some of the ethical and sustainability issues concerned with the generation of electricity. In Ireland we generate most of our electricity by burning fossil fuels in power plants. These fuels are in limited supply. They pollute the environment and contribute to climate change. Scientists carry out research and develop new technology to meet the needs of society. Many scientists are trying to develop new and better technology that can be used to generate electricity from renewable sources of energy. Question
Why is it important that scientists respond to the needs of society? Chapter Summary
1. Electricity is a form of energy. 2. Electricity is generated in many ways including power plants that burn fossil fuels, nuclear power plants, wind farms and solar farms.
3. The way we generate electricity raises ethical and sustainability issues. 4. Ethical issues deal with what is morally right or wrong. 5. If something is considered to be morally right then it is considered to be ethical. 6. If something is considered to be morally wrong then it is considered to be unethical.
7. Sustainability issues deal with meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
