Burning plants as fuel (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can investigate which plants might be used as alternative fuels to fossil fuels.
Burning plants as fuel (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can investigate which plants might be used as alternative fuels to fossil fuels.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A fuel is something that can be used to produce heat or light.
- Fossil fuels are found deep under Earth's surface and there is a limited amount left.
- Plants are a sustainable source of fuel as we can keep growing more.
- Like fossil fuels, biofuels release carbon dioxide on burning.
- Scientists and engineers investigate which plants are the best ones to grow for biofuels.
Keywords
Burn - To burn is to be on fire.
Fossil fuels - Fossil fuels are fuels made over millions of years from fossilised plants and animals buried deep beneath Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide is a type of gas found in Earth's atmosphere.
Sustainable - Sustainable means using things in a way that doesn't use them up or harm the environment, so they can be used again in the future.
Biofuel - Biofuels are fuels made from plant materials.
Common misconception
There is an endless supply of fossil fuels on Earth. There are no downsides to biofuels.
Teaching slides will explain that fossil fuel is a finite resource and will introduce the pros and cons of electric cars. Children will have a chance to discuss this in task B.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Burning plants as fuel (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Burning plants as fuel (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability), 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 2 science lessons from the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A tray of sand, a safety lighter or matches, a selection of plant material to burn and a stopwatch.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
irreversible
reversible
steam
smoke
Exit quiz
6 Questions
