Eight experiments dealing with alternative energy sources are presented. Each experiment includes an introductory section which provides background information and discusses the promises and problems of the particular energy source, a list of materials needed to complete the experiment, and the procedures to be used. The experiments involve: making a model solar hot water heater; obtaining electricity directly from sunlight; converting wind energy into electricity; examining the idea behind ocean thermal energy conversion; turning trash into useable energy; getting methane from coal and converting coal to fuel gas; making a model geothermal steam engine; and making a fuel cell (an electrochemical device for converting the chemical energy in fuels directly into electricity). Brief comments on tidal energy are also provided. Diagrams illustrating procedures and/or equipment are included when applicable. (JN)