Pop Quiz

                              2044 / 45 – Teacher Lesson Plan Book – Summer School

                      Course Title – “America’s Energy Renaissance 2010 – 2030” 

                                             Today’s lesson – Pop Quiz

1. In the 18 month period from Jan.  2012 through June 2014 how many solar panels were installed in the U.S.?

        A. A baker’s dozen

        B. More than in the previous 30 years combined

        C. A gazillion

2.  In 2013 which U.S. industry employed a.) 89,838 workers?  And which employed

        b.) 57,860 MORE workers (147,698 total)?
            Choose from:  Banjo tuning, solar energy, moustache wax application and repair, coal production/generation, gym locker fumigation services

3. From 2008 to 2014 what item’s cost dropped 75%?

            A. Boxer shorts

            B. Vintage 8-track audiotapes

            C. Solar panels

4. In 2012 what was America’s largest source (43%) of all new electrical capacity?

            A. Hamster wheels

            B. Wind turbines

            C. Humongous twisted rubber bands

5. In 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what types of jobs grew at 4 times the rate of the rest of the economy?
            Choose from: parsnip and peapod packing, frog leg de-boning, alternative energy installation and energy efficiency/conservation

6. Short Answer – Why was a 2014 article posted in Renewable Energy World. Com entitled “A Requiem for Today’s Grid”?

KEY – 1. B    2. a.) Coal   b.)Solar   3. C    4. B   5. Alt. energy / efficiencies

6.  From 2010 to 2030, what’s known as distributive energy sources (local, community and privately owned solar and wind) expanded rapidly.   That, along with accelerated energy efficiencies, transformed electrical energy distribution causing the demise of the centralized electrical grid.  People found that new electricity sources and increased efficiencies were less expensive and more reliable than the centralized electricity generation system of the 20th century.  

This is similar to what happened in telecommunications.  “Ma Bell” and AT & T once monopolized the telecommunication market.  Their domination ended as new technologies (cell phones etc.) emerged.  Likewise, cheaper more efficient energy technologies made centralized electrical power distribution outdated in the early 21st century.  Cleaner energy sources also lessened pollution and helped reduce atmospheric warming.  Consumers saved money and the environment was protected.  And none too soon because after all, this is our only home.  We are forever…Earthbound