Energy resources
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe and compare different ways of generating electricity.
Key learning points
- A non–renewable energy resource cannot be replenished as it is used.
- Non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuels.
- A renewable energy resource can be replenished as it is used.
- Renewable energy resources include biofuels, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, tidal, solar and water waves.
- Science can identify environmental issues, but political, social, ethical and economic considerations determine action.
Keywords
Renewable energy resource - an energy resource that can be replenished as quickly as it is used or will not run out
Non-renewable energy resource - an energy resource that cannot be replenished as quickly as it is used and will eventually run out
Fossil fuels - energy sources formed over millions of years from the remains of dead organisms
Sustainable energy - using energy resources so that, in the future, there will be enough for people's needs
Common misconception
Renewable energy resources are more expensive than fossil fuels and cannot meet the demand for electricity on their own.
Compare the cost of renewable energy resources with that of fossil fuels and explore advantages in energy storage technologies.
Teacher tip
Pupils could complete a structured research activity to find and summarise information around the key learning points for this lesson. You may also find several six–mark questions in past papers on this topic for pupils to practice.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a fossil fuel?
Q2.What is one effect of using fossil fuels on the environment?
Q3.What is a renewable energy resource?
Q4.What is one example of a renewable energy resource?
Q5.What is the primary component of natural gas?
Q6.What is the law of conservation of energy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following renewable energy resources emits pollution when used to generate electricity?
Q2.Which non-renewable energy resource does not contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Q3.What is the main environmental concern with wind turbines?
Q4.Match each renewable energy resource with its description:
energy from organic materials
Energy from wind turning turbines
Energy from flowing water
Energy from heat within the Earth
Energy from the rise and fall of tides
Q5.What is sustainable energy?
Q6.What role does energy efficiency play in sustainable energy?
To help you plan your 11 physics lesson on: Energy resources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physics lesson on: Energy resources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Mains electricity unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.