My investigation: Careers in Energy
Assignment: My Research Plan

Your task is to generate a research plan that will lead to a successful project. Review the information on energy sources to begin your planning. You will answer the following questions to complete your plan:

• Which category of energy interested you the most? Choose from one of the following: fossil fuels, nuclear energy, biomass, hydropower, solar energy, geothermal energy, or wind energy.

• Which career area do you find most interesting to learn about? Choose from one of the following: careers involving pure research into new science, research and development of technologies based on new discoveries or advances in engineering, careers that involve improving the quality of life in the developing world, or careers that involve the maintenance and running of existing energy sources.

• With your responses to the first two questions in mind, create a focus question to lead you to more information. (for example: What does a career in solar energy involve that improves the quality of life for people in the developing world?)

• What do you want to answer about your topic? Try to generate a list of 10-15 specific questions.

• Where are you going to find your information? Try to generate a list of at least five sources.

Once you have your plan, submit it to your teacher. Discuss your topic with your classmates to clarify what you want to study. Remember that you are writing a five paragraph essay, so you want your topic to be specific.