The Future of Michigan's Economy

The Future of Michigan's Economy

Open Ended

Where do you think power comes from?

Electricity

Electricity often comes from the use of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Using nonrenewable resources comes at a cost to our environment. We want to try and create our own energy with things that are naturally found in nature.

Open Ended

What are some ideas for natural energy resources?

Multiple Choice

The turbine blades are connected to what, that makes electricity as they spin?

• Hydro Electric Power

• Power Plant

• Generator

• Helicopter

Multiple Choice

The panels used for solar power can convert light energy into what?

• Sun Energy

• More Energy

• Hydro Energy

• Electrical Energy

Multiple Choice

The wind turns the blades of a wind turbine, which spin a shaft that connects to a generator to make what?

• Electricity

• More Wind

• Solar Power

• Hydro Power

Michigan's Economic Future

It is important for Michigan’s economic activity to change as the way different goods and services are produced. As the world tries to decrease the use of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil) as a source for creating energy, Michigan has begun to embrace the use of renewable energy resources. Popular renewable energy resources are hydro (water) electric energy, solar (sun) energy, and the use of wind energy produced by wind turbines. A wind turbine looks like a giant fan. The wind turns the large blades which connect to a generator that creates electricity. Wind farms can be found throughout the state of Michigan, but are popular in Michigan’s thumb region. Wind farms are often located near water or open areas where wind speeds are higher, but not too strong. If a person allows a company to use their land for a wind turbine, they receive money from the sale of the power the turbine creates

Multiple Choice

Where are wind farms often located near where?

• Valleys

• Water

• Mountains

• Hills

Solar Energy

Solar energy is created throughout the state and can even be used to power homes if owners want to install solar panels. With solar panels on a home, people are able to use the energy generated to power their home and then sell the power they don’t use back to the local utility company. Solar panels are used to absorb the suns light and change it into energy.

Poll

How can solar power help a home owner?

• It can power their home

• Sell the power they don't use back to the utility company

Decrease Fossil Fuels

Using renewable energy decreases the use of fossil fuels, but also decreases the cost consumers pay for energy. The way that goods and services are produced in Michigan is changing due to renewable energy. Cars are now made to run with electric batteries instead of gasoline. Businesses can use solar energy to power their factories, stores, and other buildings. This reduces the use of fossil fuel energy and decreases what companies spend on energy when they create their own.

Multiple Choice

Using renewable energy decreases the use of what?

• Cars

• Solar Energy

• Fossil Fuels

• Oxygen

Multiple Choice

Using renewable energy decreases the cost consumers pay for what?

• Energy

• Heat

• Water

• Oil

Jobs

Jobs are created in the production of renewable energy resources. For example, if someone loses their job in a coal factory, they could be trained to work on building wind turbines. Renewable energy is also great for entrepreneurs and inventors as we move toward a future that relies on renewable resources.

Open Ended

What happens if someone loses their job in a coal factory?

Multiple Choice

Who traded furs with Native Americans?

• Canadians

• Germans

• French

• British

Multiple Choice

The fur trade was at its peak at what place?

• Saginaw

• Detroit

• Pontiac

• Mackinac Island

Multiple Choice

Logs were floated down the river to get them to go where quicker?

• Saw Mill

• Mine

• Factory

Multiple Choice

What area is known for mining copper?

• Spain

• Lower Peninsula

• Upper Peninsula

Multiple Choice

The creation of the car was the beginning of what?

• More cars

• Assembly Line

• More factories