Using renewable energy resources
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how renewable energy resources can be used to generate electricity.
Key learning points
- Renewable energy resources will not run out because they are replenished more quickly than we use them up
- Electricity can be generated by spinning coils of wire in an electric generator with a turbine
- Turbines can be spun using falling water or wind
- Turbines can be spun using moving steam made by burning biomass, oil or gas
- Solar panels produce electricity without electric generators
Keywords
Electric generator - a machine that generates electricity when wire coils inside it are made to spin in a magnetic field
Turbine - a series of angled blades that turn electrical generators that produce electricity
Renewable resource - an energy resource that can be replenished as quickly as it is used so will not run out
Sustainable resource - a resource that can be replenished naturally and used with little or no negative impact on the environment
Non-renewable resource - a resource that cannot be replenished
Common misconception
Biomass is a renewable energy resource because plants can be regrown.
Discuss the idea that renewable resources **will not** run out, whereas biomass **could** run out or be seriously depleted if it is not used sustainably.
Teacher tip
This lesson appears in two units in Y8 Science and should be taught only once. In **Fuels and energetics** it can be used to follow a lesson on power stations, or in **Climate change and greenhouse gases** it can be used after lessons on reducing GHG emissions from transport and industry.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Combustion is the reaction between a fuel and .
Q2.Which of the following are disadvantages of burning non-renewable energy resources?
Q3.Wood pellets can be burned in a power station to generate electricity. Which of the following are products of the combustion of wood pellets?
Q4.Burning a fuel is an example of a combustion reaction and .
Q5.In a power station, steam turns a which turns electrical generators that produce electricity.
Q6.Which of the following are examples of non-renewable sources of energy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following terms to the correct definitions.
Q2.Which of the following are examples of renewable energy resources?
Q3.Which of the following are disadvantages of solar power?
Q4.Which of the following are advantages of wind power?
Q5. generates electricity with falling water spinning turbinesand connected to electric generators.
Q6.What is an advantage of a geothermal power station?
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Using renewable energy resources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Using renewable energy resources, 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 science lessons from the Climate change and greenhouse gases unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.