Energy Explorers: Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources

Science Grades 5th Grade 9:06 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of energy! This lesson introduces students to different types of energy, focusing on the crucial distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources and their impact on our environment.

Video Resource

Types of Energy for Kids - Renewable and Non-Renewable Energies

Smile and Learn - English

Duration: 9:06
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Energy Transformation
  • Renewable Energy Resources
  • Non-Renewable Energy Resources
  • Environmental Impact of Energy Choices

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define energy and identify different forms of energy (thermal, mechanical, electric, chemical, eolic, hydraulic).
  • Students will be able to differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, providing examples of each.
  • Students will be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
  • Students will be able to discuss the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to protect the environment.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think 'energy' is. Discuss examples of energy in their daily lives (lights, cars, playing). Introduce the video and explain that it will help them understand different types of energy.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the 'Types of Energy for Kids - Renewable and Non-Renewable Energies' video from Smile and Learn - English. Encourage students to take notes on key terms and concepts.
  • Discussion and Explanation (15 mins)
    After the video, lead a class discussion about the different types of energy. Define renewable and non-renewable energy, providing real-world examples. Emphasize the environmental impact of each type. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each, drawing from the video's explanations.
  • Activity: Energy Source Sorting (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of cards, each depicting a different energy source (sun, wind, coal, oil, natural gas, water, geothermal, etc.). Have the groups sort the cards into two categories: Renewable and Non-Renewable. Afterwards, each group can explain their reasoning.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share one thing they learned about energy today. Emphasize the importance of making informed energy choices to protect the environment.

Interactive Exercises

  • Energy Source Debate
    Divide the class into two teams: 'Renewable Energy Advocates' and 'Non-Renewable Energy Realists.' Each team prepares arguments supporting their assigned type of energy, considering both the benefits and drawbacks. Conduct a debate where each team presents their arguments and responds to counterarguments. This encourages critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some examples of energy you see around you every day?
  • What are the benefits of using renewable energy sources?
  • What are the drawbacks of using non-renewable energy sources?
  • How can we use less non-renewable energy in our daily lives?
  • Why is it important to protect the environment when we use energy?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Classification
  • Communication
  • Environmental Awareness

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source?

Correct Answer: Wind

Question 2:

What is energy's ability to produce?

Correct Answer: A change in matter

Question 3:

Which type of energy comes from the movement of air?

Correct Answer: Eolic energy

Question 4:

Which of these is a disadvantage of using non-renewable energy?

Correct Answer: They release pollution and gases

Question 5:

What does the word 'renewable' mean?

Correct Answer: Can be replenished

Question 6:

What source of energy is made from dead plants?

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 7:

Which of the following is an example of non-renewable energy?

Correct Answer: Coal

Question 8:

What does renewable energy not emit?

Correct Answer: Greenhouse effect gases

Question 9:

Why is it important to switch to renewable energies?

Correct Answer: Take care of the environment

Question 10:

What is oil used to produce?

Correct Answer: Fuels

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

_____ energy comes from the sun.

Correct Answer: Solar

Question 2:

____ energy is obtained from heat inside the Earth.

Correct Answer: Geothermal

Question 3:

_____ energy is carried by electric currents.

Correct Answer: Electric

Question 4:

_____ and learn.

Correct Answer: Smile

Question 5:

The wind creates _____ energy.

Correct Answer: eolic

Question 6:

When burnt, ____ produces heat.

Correct Answer: coal

Question 7:

Non-renewable energies emit contamination _____ into the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: gases

Question 8:

_____ energy is generated from the heat stored in the earth

Correct Answer: Geothermal

Question 9:

Energy can be _____, transferred and transported.

Correct Answer: transformed

Question 10:

Gasoline is a fuel produced from _____.

Correct Answer: oil

Educational Standards

5.PS3: Energy:5.PS3.1: [Standard] Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun. 5.ESS3: Earth and Human Activity:5.ESS3.1: [Standard] Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments.

Teaching Materials

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