A generator is a device that converts power      from motion (such as water) or fuel (such as fossil fuel) into electric power.

Fossil fuels are natural substances that were formed over millions of years from the buried remains of ancient organisms; they include coal, oil and gas.

Nuclear energy from inside atoms can be used to generate huge amounts of electricity.

Renewable means that something can be re-used and will not be used up or run out.

A turbine is a device that uses power from liquid or air to turn a rotator to produce electric power.

Energy production

Geography

Energy use and climate change

Non-renewable energy sources

Renewable sources of energy

Reducing energy use

Solving the energy problem

This unit provides a foundation for 'Sustainable world: Does it matter how we live?', which investigates how we can develop more sustainable ways of living.

This unit builds on 'Natural resources: What are they, where are they and why are they important?'. It extends and deepens pupils’ understanding of energy as a resource that is essential for life, but that also contributes to climate change through the continued use of non-renewable energy sources, and investigates some solutions to this conundrum.

This unit explores how energy is produced and used, and how this links to climate change. Pupils compare renewable and non-renewable sources, consider how energy use can be reduced, and evaluate different responses to the world’s growing energy demands.

Energy: how do we power the world?

To manufacture something means to make it in a factory, usually in large quantities.

These are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. Carbon dioxide and methane are both examples of greenhouse gases.

An emission is something that is released into the world.

Climate change is a large-scale and long-term change in the planet’s climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures.

Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out.

Types of energy that can be re-used and will not be used up or run out.

Carbon emissions are the release of carbon into the air and atmosphere around us.

Renewable energy is sources of energy that can be re-used and will not be used up or run out.

Hydro-electric power generates electricity by using water.

Biomass is organic (natural) material that can be used as fuel.

Appliances are devices used for a particular purpose that usually require electricity to work, e.g. fridge, vacuum cleaner or TV.

Meters measure the flow and amount of electricity or gas into different buildings or homes.

Active travel is ways of travelling that involve some activity from people, e.g. walking, cycling or scooting.

A government is the group of people who are in charge of running the country.

A stakeholder is a person who has an interest in a given resource.

A campaign is a series of planned actions carried out in order to reach a particular goal.

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouses gases that are released as a result of our actions.

Energy: how do we power the world?

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