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Quantum: Tidal power

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A man stands beside four large tanks
Quantum: Tidal power

SUBJECTS:  Science

YEARS:  5–6, 7–8


Journey to Bathurst Island where strong tidal currents can be found in the Apsley Strait.

Observe how the Nguiu community is investigating the use of tidal power to provide their electricity needs instead of using non-renewable and expensive fossil fuels.


Things to think about

  1. 1.Imagine if you lived on a remote island community; what energy sources would you expect to be available? How might electricity be supplied?
  2. 2.What problems do the Nguiu community face using diesel generators and why are they seeking an alternative energy source? Why is tidal power an option around Bathurst Island? Why did scientists release a coloured dye from the boat? What were they trying to find out?
  3. 3.What makes Bathurst Island suitable for using tidal power?
  4. 4.Turbines are regularly used in the production of electricity. Research the range of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources that are used to spin a turbine's blades.



Date of broadcast: 26 Apr 1995


Copyright

Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia Ltd 2012 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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