Geothermal Energy: Putting Earth's Heat to Work

October 1, 2018
Grades 2-4 The Earth's Energy Innovations series (8 titles) examines how different natural resources are harnessed for power. This installment, dedicated to geothermal energy, begins by defining the term and providing appropriately steamy pictures (e.g., lava and hot springs), followed by a simple illustrated time line of the resource's use and development. Early examples include Roman baths and the first geothermal district heating system, established in Idaho in 1892?both utilized hot springs. The rather stoic figure of Piero Ginori Conti makes an appearance for being the first person to convert geothermal energy into electricity, paving the way for geothermal power plants. Readers will also learn?on a very basic level?how these power plants and heat pumps work, with full-page digitally created diagrams provided for each. A decent starting point for energy units.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)