Phasing out fossil fuels
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why fossil fuels are being phased out and what challenges this creates.
Key learning points
- Fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide when burned.
- Fossil fuels are non-renewable and contribute to climate change.
- Some countries rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy and income.
- Moving away from fossil fuels requires investment and new technology.
- There is disagreement about how quickly fossil fuels should be phased out.
Keywords
Fossil fuel - natural substances that were formed over millions of years ago from the buried remains of ancient organisms. They include coal, oil and gas
Non-renewable energy - energy sources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out
Renewable energy - sources of energy that can be reused and will not be used up or run out
Decarbonisation - reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from processes such as burning fossil fuels
Common misconception
We are sourcing more energy from renewables than fossil fuels.
Over 80% of global energy still comes from coal, oil, and gas.
Teacher tip
Ask students if they have seen any of the measures which are helping us to reach net zero, electric cars, wind turbines, etc.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meanings.
Current time when humans shape Earth’s systems
The variety of living things on Earth
Total CO₂ released by someone’s activities
The cutting down of trees on a large scale
Q2.Which of these is a sign of the Anthropocene?
Q3.What does deforestation often lead to?
Q4.Which of these reduces your carbon footprint?
Q5.Burning fossil fuels increases the amount of in the atmosphere.
Q6.Which of these is a cause of biodiversity loss?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meanings.
Fuel made from remains of ancient organisms
Energy that will run out and can't be replaced
Energy that can be reused and won’t run out
Cutting CO₂ released into the atmosphere
Q2.What is the biggest source of global energy today?
Q3.Which of these is a benefit of renewable energy?
Q4.What is a challenge of switching to renewables?
Q5.Many people believe we already use more renewables than fossil fuels.
Why is this not correct?
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Phasing out fossil fuels, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Phasing out fossil fuels, 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 geography lessons from the Anthropocene: What is the impact of humans on the world? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.