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Performance Task

Geothermal Energy

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  • Did You Know?

Western United States

Western states are generally more favorable locations for geothermal power plants, where heat from magma is usually closer to the surface.

Aerial view of geothermal pool at Yellowstone National Park

Aerial view of geothermal pool at Yellowstone National Park

New Power Plant

New Power Plant

You work for an energy company that wants to build a new geothermal power plant.

  • Use the Internet or another resource to research and explain how geothermal energy is harnessed. Then choose a state for the power plant. Explain your reasoning.
  • Plot the approximate locations of two cities in the state in a coordinate plane and connect them with a line segment. Then construct the perpendicular bisector of the segment. Where could the power plant be located so that it is equidistant from the two cities? Explain.
  • Plot the location of a third city in the coordinate plane. Show how to find a location for the power plant that is equidistant from all three cities.

Aerial photograph of natural geothermal pool in Yellowstone National Park.

Did You Know?

  • Benefits of Geothermal Energy
    • Renewable
    • Consistent electricity regardless of weather conditions
    • Domestic; no foreign fuel
    • Small power plants
    • Clean energy; emits no greenhouse gases

Find Out More – Search Topics

  • Geothermal energy
  • Geothermal science