Unearthing Energy: A Deep Dive into Fossil Fuels

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 7:57 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the formation, extraction, advantages, and disadvantages of coal, petroleum, and natural gas, the fossil fuels that power our world.

Video Resource

Fossil Fuels

Bozeman Science

Duration: 7:57
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Formation of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) under anaerobic conditions.
  • Extraction methods and processing of each type of fossil fuel.
  • Environmental impacts (air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions) and resource depletion.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the geological processes involved in the formation of coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using each type of fossil fuel as an energy source.
  • Analyze the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction and combustion, including air pollution and climate change.
  • Discuss the concept of peak oil and the non-renewable nature of fossil fuels.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by showing a brief clip illustrating our dependence on fossil fuels (e.g., transportation, electricity). Ask students to brainstorm where their energy comes from and introduce the video topic.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Bozeman Science video 'Fossil Fuels.' Encourage students to take notes on the formation, extraction, advantages, and disadvantages of each fossil fuel. Emphasize the environmental impacts.
  • Discussion (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion based on the discussion questions below. Encourage students to share their thoughts on the role of fossil fuels in society and the challenges of transitioning to alternative energy sources.
  • Activity: Fossil Fuel Comparison Chart (15 mins)
    Students create a chart comparing coal, petroleum, and natural gas in terms of formation process, extraction methods, energy output, environmental impact, and reserves. This could be done individually or in small groups.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Summarize the key takeaways of the lesson. Preview the next lesson on renewable energy resources.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fossil Fuel Debate
    Divide the class into groups representing different stakeholders (e.g., oil companies, environmental activists, government officials). Each group prepares arguments for or against continued fossil fuel use and participates in a structured debate.
  • Carbon Footprint Calculator
    Students use an online carbon footprint calculator to estimate their personal carbon emissions. Discuss how their lifestyles contribute to fossil fuel consumption and what steps they can take to reduce their impact.

Discussion Questions

  • How has the use of fossil fuels shaped our society and economy?
  • What are the biggest challenges associated with transitioning away from fossil fuels?
  • What are some potential solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use?
  • How does the uneven distribution of fossil fuel reserves impact global politics and economics?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Scientific reasoning and argumentation
  • Data interpretation and evaluation
  • Collaboration and communication

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a fossil fuel?

Correct Answer: Wind Energy

Question 2:

Fossil fuels are formed under what type of conditions?

Correct Answer: Anaerobic (without oxygen)

Question 3:

Which fossil fuel is primarily composed of methane?

Correct Answer: Natural Gas

Question 4:

Which of the following is a major environmental disadvantage of burning coal?

Correct Answer: It releases sulfur dioxide, contributing to acid rain

Question 5:

What is 'peak oil'?

Correct Answer: The point at which oil production reaches its maximum rate and then declines

Question 6:

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using natural gas?

Correct Answer: Methane, a greenhouse gas, can leak during extraction and transportation

Question 7:

Oil sands and oil shales are examples of what type of fossil fuel?

Correct Answer: Petroleum

Question 8:

Which country possesses the largest coal reserves?

Correct Answer: United States

Question 9:

What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking) primarily used for?

Correct Answer: Extracting natural gas

Question 10:

Which of the following is a benefit of using petroleum?

Correct Answer: It is easily transported as a liquid and energy dense

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient organisms under heat and ________.

Correct Answer: pressure

Question 2:

________ is a solid fossil fuel formed from compressed plant matter.

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 3:

________ is a liquid fossil fuel that is refined into gasoline and other products.

Correct Answer: Petroleum

Question 4:

________, primarily methane, is considered the cleanest burning fossil fuel.

Correct Answer: Natural gas

Question 5:

The release of ________ ________ from burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming.

Correct Answer: carbon dioxide

Question 6:

A fuel that is formed in an ________ environment does not have oxygen available.

Correct Answer: anaerobic

Question 7:

________ is an early stage in coal formation.

Correct Answer: Peat

Question 8:

Fossil fuels are considered ________ resources because they are finite and will eventually run out.

Correct Answer: nonrenewable

Question 9:

The ________ curve predicts the rise and fall of oil production over time.

Correct Answer: Hubbert

Question 10:

Sulfur impurities in coal can cause acid rain through the release of ________ ________ into the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: sulfur dioxide

Educational Standards

ES.ESS3.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate effect human activity. ES.ESS3.2:[Standard] Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost- benefit ratios on large and small scales.* ES.ESS3.5:[Standard] Construct a scientific explanation from evidence for how geological processes cause uneven distribution of natural resources.

Teaching Materials

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