Unearthing Energy: Exploring Non-Renewable Resources

Science Grades 5th Grade 3:01 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson explores non-renewable energy sources like oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium, focusing on their properties, uses, and environmental impact. Students will understand why these resources are limited and the importance of transitioning to renewable alternatives.

Video Resource

Non-renewable Energy Sources - Types of Energy for Kids

Smile and Learn - English

Duration: 3:01
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Key Concepts

  • Non-renewable energy sources are finite.
  • Different types of non-renewable energy (oil, coal, natural gas, uranium) have unique properties and uses.
  • Non-renewable energy use has environmental consequences, including pollution and potential disasters.
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define non-renewable energy and list examples.
  • Students will be able to describe the formation and uses of oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium.
  • Students will be able to explain the environmental impacts of using non-renewable energy resources.
  • Students will be able to discuss the importance of reducing non-renewable energy consumption and transitioning to renewable sources.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about energy. What powers their homes, schools, and cars? Introduce the concepts of renewable and non-renewable energy. Briefly explain that this lesson will focus on non-renewable energy. Show the video 'Non-renewable Energy Sources - Types of Energy for Kids' from Smile and Learn - English.
  • Video Viewing and Note-Taking (7 mins)
    Instruct students to watch the video carefully and take notes on the different types of non-renewable energy sources discussed, their uses, and any environmental concerns mentioned.
  • Discussion and Explanation (10 mins)
    Lead a class discussion based on the video. Clarify any misconceptions and expand on the information presented. Focus on the formation of each resource (oil, coal, natural gas, uranium), their uses, and the specific environmental impacts associated with each.
  • Interactive Activity: Resource Comparison Chart (10 mins)
    Divide students into groups. Each group will create a chart comparing the four main non-renewable resources (oil, coal, natural gas, uranium). The chart should include columns for: Resource Name, How it's Formed, Primary Uses, Environmental Impacts. This can be done on paper or digitally.
  • Wrap-up and Action Plan (3 mins)
    Discuss ways individual communities can reduce the use of non-renewable energy resources. Each student writes down one way they personally can help reduce their energy consumption.

Interactive Exercises

  • Energy Source Sorting Game
    Create a digital or physical sorting game where students categorize different energy sources as either renewable or non-renewable.
  • Create a Poster Campaign
    Have students design posters promoting the reduction of non-renewable energy use and the adoption of renewable alternatives.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some examples of non-renewable energy resources?
  • How is oil formed, and what are its main uses?
  • What are some of the disadvantages of using non-renewable energy sources?
  • Why is it important to transition to renewable energy sources?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Synthesis
  • Collaboration
  • Environmental Awareness

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of these is an example of a non-renewable energy source?

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 2:

Which non-renewable energy source is often used to heat homes?

Correct Answer: Natural Gas

Question 3:

What is a major disadvantage of using non-renewable energy sources?

Correct Answer: They can cause pollution

Question 4:

Which of the following is formed from the remains of dead plants?

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 5:

Which of the following non-renewable energy sources is used to create gasoline for cars?

Correct Answer: Oil

Question 6:

Where does uranium come from?

Correct Answer: Underground shafts and mines

Question 7:

What is the main reason we should reduce our use of non-renewable energy sources?

Correct Answer: They are running out and cause pollution.

Question 8:

Which of the following non-renewable resources is a rock that is black in color?

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 9:

Which of the following non-renewable resources is a chemical element?

Correct Answer: Uranium

Question 10:

Why is it important to handle radioactive residues properly?

Correct Answer: To prevent contamination

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

____________ energy sources are limited and don't replenish naturally.

Correct Answer: Non-renewable

Question 2:

_______ is a liquid substance found under the Earth's surface and is used to produce fuels like gasoline.

Correct Answer: Oil

Question 3:

________ is a rock that is extracted from open pit and underground mines and produces heat when burned.

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 4:

________ is a non-renewable energy source that is extracted from deposits found under the ground and is used to heat houses.

Correct Answer: Natural Gas

Question 5:

__________ is a chemical element used to produce nuclear energy.

Correct Answer: Uranium

Question 6:

Burning non-renewable energy resources releases ____________ into the air, which can harm the planet.

Correct Answer: gases

Question 7:

Accidents related to non-renewable energy resources can cause major ___________.

Correct Answer: catastrophes

Question 8:

It's important to speed up the move to __________ energies to help the environment.

Correct Answer: renewable

Question 9:

Oil is formed by a mixture of _____________.

Correct Answer: hydrocarbons

Question 10:

To protect the Earth's resources, communities can use _________ ideas.

Correct Answer: science

Educational Standards

5.ESS3.1:Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments. 5.PS1.3:Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Teaching Materials

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