Energy Resources: Renewable vs Non-Renewable
A Year 8 Science Exploration Understanding Our Energy Choices
What Are Energy Resources?
Energy resources are sources we use to generate power They provide energy for electricity, heating, and transport We can classify them into two main types Essential for modern life and society
Renewable vs Non-Renewable: Key Differences
{"left":"Renewable: Can be replenished naturally\nNon-renewable: Finite resources that will run out\nRenewable: Examples include solar, wind, water","right":"Non-renewable: Examples include coal, oil, natural gas\nRenewable: Generally cleaner for environment\nNon-renewable: Often produce pollution and emissions"}
Non-Renewable Energy Resources
Coal - formed from ancient plant matter Oil - formed from ancient marine organisms Natural gas - formed alongside oil deposits Nuclear fuel - uranium mined from the earth Take millions of years to form Will eventually run out
Renewable Energy Resources
Solar - energy from the sun Wind - moving air turns turbines Hydroelectric - flowing water generates power Biomass - organic matter used as fuel Geothermal - heat from inside the earth Constantly replenished by nature
Group Research Activity
Form groups of 5 students each Each group researches one energy resource: • Coal, Oil, Natural Gas (Non-renewable) • Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric (Renewable) Research: How it works, advantages, disadvantages, environmental impact Prepare a 2-minute presentation
Energy Conversion Demonstration
Energy changes from one form to another Solar panel: Light energy → Electrical energy Wind turbine: Kinetic energy → Electrical energy Observe how renewable energy works Real-world applications all around us
Environmental Impact Comparison
Think and Discuss
Which energy resources do you think the UK should focus on for the future? Consider: availability, cost, environmental impact, and reliability What challenges might we face switching to renewable energy?
Lesson Summary and Assessment
Renewable energy can be replenished naturally Non-renewable energy sources are finite Each energy type has advantages and disadvantages Environmental impact is a key consideration Energy choices affect our future