Classification of energy – non-renewable, renewable and recyclable
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can classify sources of energy into non-renewable, renewable and recyclable energy.
Key learning points
- Energy sources can be classified as non-renewable, renewable and recyclable.
- Non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels: coal, oil and gas.
- Renewable energy resources include flows of solar, wind and HEP.
- Recyclable energy resources include nuclear and biofuels.
Keywords
Non-renewable energy - a natural source of energy that will run out because it cannot be reproduced, such as coal, oil and natural gas
Renewable energy - a natural source of energy that will never run out, such as flows of wind, water and solar energy
Recyclable energy - sources of energy that can be reused and so will last into the future, such as biofuels and nuclear energy
Common misconception
Recyclable energy is the same as renewable energy.
Renewable energy comes from natural processes that are constantly renewed, so they never run out. Recyclable energy comes from resources that are often finite (they can run out) but which can be reprocessed or reused to extend their use.
Teacher tip
Understanding what makes nuclear power and biofuels recyclable is sometimes challenging for students: YouTube videos about the process of generating nuclear power (and reprocessing spent nuclear fuel), and of turning biofuels into energy sources work well in consolidating understanding here.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is energy used for in everyday life?
Q2.Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
Q3.Which energy source is non-renewable?
Q4.What is the main source of energy for Earth?
Q5.Why might we use more renewable energy in the future?
Q6.What is a recyclable energy source?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a non-renewable energy source?
Q2.Which of these is a renewable energy source?
Q3.Recyclable energy sources include...
Q4.Which statement best explains the difference between recyclable and renewable energy?
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Classification of energy – non-renewable, renewable and recyclable, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Classification of energy – non-renewable, renewable and recyclable, 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 4 geography lessons from the Energy unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.