Cost-Benefit Ratio Design Solutions (HS-ESS3-2): Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios

Evaluating competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources involves analyzing cost-benefit ratios. This process compares the economic, environmental, and social costs of various resource management strategies against their benefits. By assessing these ratios, scientists and engineers can determine the most effective and sustainable solutions for resource use, balancing factors such as efficiency, impact, and long-term viability.

Main Concepts:

  1. Energy and Mineral Resources: Energy and mineral resources are essential for modern societies. These resources are used to generate electricity, fuel transportation, and power industries that produce goods and services. Some examples of energy and mineral resources include coal, tar sands, oil shales, petroleum, and natural gas. The extraction, production, and consumption of these resources can have significant impacts on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and soil degradation. Therefore, it is important to carefully manage these resources to minimize their environmental impact.
  2. Cost-Benefit Ratios: When evaluating competing design solutions for energy and mineral resource development, cost-benefit ratios are used to compare the costs and benefits of each solution. The goal is to find a solution that provides the most benefits while minimizing costs. The costs of energy and mineral resource development can include the financial costs of extraction, processing, transportation, and distribution, as well as the environmental costs of habitat destruction, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits of energy and mineral resource development can include the creation of jobs, economic growth, and increased energy security. It is important to carefully consider the trade-offs between these costs and benefits when making decisions about resource development.
  3. Conservation, Recycling, and Reuse: Conservation, recycling, and reuse are important strategies for minimizing the impact of resource development on the environment. By conserving resources, recycling materials, and reusing products, we can reduce the amount of waste produced and extend the lifespan of resources. For example, energy conservation measures such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances can reduce the demand for electricity and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and reuse programs for materials such as paper, plastics, and metals can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and reduce the need for new resource extraction. Additionally, reusing products, such as clothing and electronics, can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and transportation. These strategies can help ensure that energy and mineral resources are used sustainably and efficiently, minimizing their impact on the environment.

Question and Answer Section:

  1. What are some examples of energy and mineral resources? Answer: Energy and mineral resources include coal, tar sands, oil shales, petroleum, and natural gas.
  2. What are cost-benefit ratios used for? Answer: Cost-benefit ratios are used to evaluate competing design solutions and compare the costs and benefits of each solution.
  3. Why is conservation important for resource development? Answer: Conservation is important for resource development because it helps to minimize the impact of resource extraction on the environment.
  4. What is recycling and why is it important? Answer: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products. It is important because it reduces the amount of waste produced and conserves resources.
  5. How can reusing products help to conserve resources? Answer: Reusing products can help to conserve resources by extending the lifespan of products and reducing the need to produce new products.
  6. What is the goal of evaluating competing design solutions? Answer: The goal of evaluating competing design solutions is to find a solution that provides the most benefits while minimizing costs.
  7. What are some best practices for agricultural soil use? Answer: Best practices for agricultural soil use include using crop rotation, using cover crops, and reducing tillage.
  8. How can mining impact the environment? Answer: Mining can impact the environment by causing soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
  9. What are some best practices for pumping petroleum and natural gas? Answer: Best practices for pumping petroleum and natural gas include using hydraulic fracturing, using directional drilling, and reducing the amount of water used.
  10. Why is science knowledge important when evaluating design solutions? Answer: Science knowledge is important when evaluating design solutions because it helps us understand what can happen in natural systems and the potential impacts of our actions on the environment.

*continue your studies by accessing another review sheet below*

Space Systems: HS-ESS1-1 : HS-ESS1-2 : HS-ESS1-3 : HS-ESS1-4 : HS-ESS1-7

History of the Earth: HS-ESS1-5 : HS-ESS1-6 : HS-ESS2-1

Earth's Systems: HS-ESS2-2 : HS-ESS2-3 : HS-ESS2-5 : HS-ESS2-6 : HS-ESS2-7

Weather and Climate: HS-ESS2-4 : HS-ESS3-5 : HS-ESS2-8

Human Sustainability: HS-ESS3-1 : HS-ESS3-2 : HS-ESS3-3 : HS-ESS3-4 : HS.ESS3-6

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to serve as a study guide based on a contextual analysis of the NGSS standards for the Earth and Space Science assessment. These study guides should be used as a supplement to your overall study strategy, and their alignment to the actual test format is not guaranteed. We recommend that you consult with your instructor for additional guidance on exam preparation.