Resources: Class presentation and handout.
Handout: Information on the greenhouse effect, formation of fossil fuels and history of fossil fuel use for a student summary. There are graphs on energy demand to analyse and apply information on energy usage. Students can describe and explain advantages and disadvantages of non renewables, research carbon capture and describe the stages in a coal power station. They can also explain the energy transfers.
What fossil fuels can the students name? Lead a discussion with the students, asking them to identify what the 3 main fossil fuels are, what they are used for and what they have been used for in the past. Consider the ease of energy production from fossil fuels and why this might be.
Use the handout to reinforce learning around the topic of fossil fuels. Expand the considerations through climate change and COP26. Discuss the need to urgently reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Students are to work through the examination-style questions and review their answers as a group.
Ask the students to google their local power station. How is energy generated in that station? What is the source of fuel? What are the statistics for the output of energy? Practice writing answers to questions that require full answers. Identify the elements of the question; the subject, the facts and the expectation. Discuss the change from a ‘fossil fuel-based economy’ to a ‘renewable energy-based economy’ – what are the problems associated with changing over?
Career Film: This is Jonathan Dodds. Jonathan works as a Technical Manager for National Nuclear Laboratory.
Expert Film: This is Edward Reeves, who works as a Project Manager for National Nuclear Laboratory. Edward talks about non-renewable energy resources.
Use the handout to reinforce learning around the topic of fossil fuels. Expand the considerations through climate change and COP26. Discuss the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions urgently.
Challenge Task: Why is natural gas the most commonly used non-renewable resource? Can the students find some data to explain this?
Use the summative quiz to assess students' learning. Should we be using non-renewable energy resources? Write a tweet (140 characters) to state your opinion and why.