Why is fracking controversial?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what fracking is and explain the risks and benefits of fracking.
Key learning points
- Supporters argue fracking creates jobs, lowers energy prices and reduces reliance on imports in uncertain times.
- Some countries have banned fracking due to risks like pollution, earthquakes, wildlife disruption and climate impact.
- Alternatives to fracking include renewable energy, nuclear, geothermal, biomass energy and improving energy efficiency.
- The UK Government shifted its stance on fracking, halting it in 2019 due to environmental risks and earthquakes.
Keywords
Fracking - a method of drilling into the Earth to extract oil and natural gas by injecting high-pressure fluids to crack rocks and release the resources trapped inside
Renewable energy - energy that comes from natural sources like the Sun, wind and water, which are constantly replenished and won't run out
Common misconception
Fracking shale gas is more environmentally friendly than other gas and fossil fuels.
Whilst shale gas releases less CO2 than coal and oil, it is still not a renewable energy source and has several other negative environmental impacts, such as using huge amounts of water.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to explore both sides of the fracking debate in small groups. Have them research and present alternatives to fracking to develop critical thinking.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct definition.
using resources/making choices that do not harm the environment
gradual increase in Earth's average temperature caused by human action
when harmful substances are released into the environment
Q2. pollution can harm ecosystems and wildlife by causing entanglement, where animals get trapped or tangled in plastic materials.
Q3.What is one of the main reasons why plastic is difficult to replace?
Q4.Which of these is a key impact of climate change?
Q5.Recycling helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the environment, making it more by turning waste into new products.
Q6.Which of the following is the main cause of global warming?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct definition.
drilling to extract oil and gas by injecting fluids to crack rocks
energy that comes from natural sources like the Sun, wind and water
the long-term changes in Earth's weather patterns and temperatures
Q2.Fracking can lead to environmental issues like pollution, and damage to wildlife.
Q3.Which of the following is an alternative energy source to fracking?
Q4.Which of the following statements about fracking is inaccurate?
Q5.Fracking can lead to environmental damage, including contamination of , which can harm local ecosystems and supplies.
Q6.Many countries have banned fracking as they believe the environmental risks are too high. Which of these places have banned fracking?
To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: Why is fracking controversial?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: Why is fracking controversial?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the What can we do about global problems? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.