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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources

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- Fossil fuels are sources of energy made from prehistoric plants and animals.
- Non-renewable energy comes from sources that could eventually run out.
- Renewable energy comes from sources that can be easily replenished.
- Renewable energy includes sunlight, wind and water power.
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Discussion Questions
- Before VideoDo we all use energy? In what ways?ANSWER
Yes, we all use energy. Our bodies need energy to function and we also use electricity every day to power things like computers and lights. We also use energy from burning fossil fuels to power our cars, trucks and buses.
Solar, nuclear, wind, ocean currents, geothermal, coal, gasoline, biodiesel, ethanol, methane gas, etc.
Lights, heat, computers, clock, our bodies, and any plants and animals in the room.
THE SUN!
The main ways people use energy is pretty much the same all over the world, but some countries use more renewable energy sources than others do. For example, Brazil gets a lot of energy to power its cars from plants! (They use sugar beets to make ethanol, which can be used in a car just like gasoline.)
Different places can generate different kinds of energy. In windy areas, you will find a lot of wind generators. In areas with a lot of petroleum and coal you will find a lot of coal mining and oil drilling operations.
- After VideoDo different types of fuels create different types of energy? ANSWER
All types of fuels can be burned for energy. Burning coal, oil and natural gas produces heat, which is then converted to other energy forms, like electricity.
Some energy sources are more limited than others. Coal, oil and natural gas are used a lot right now but they could run out in only a few generations. Renewable sources like wind, sunlight, biomass, geothermal, and water power can be easily renewed and are almost unlimited!
If we are still dependent on non-renewable energy sources when they run out, we will not have enough energy to meet our needs.
Impacts of our energy use include pollution, damage to the environment, reduced air quality and climate change.
Some renewable energy sources can have environmental impacts as well, but the benefits of renewable energy sources is that they are much more easily replenished.
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Vocabulary
- Fossil Fuel DEFINE
The main source of energy today (gasoline, coal and natural gas). It was formed millions of years ago out of plants and animals and is usually extracted from deep underground.
- Renewable Energy DEFINE
Sources of energy that can be more easily replenished. Things like wind, sunlight, waves, and earth's heat (geothermal energy).
- Non-Renewable Energy DEFINE
Sources of energy that can't be easily replenished like coal, oil and natural gas.
- Energy DEFINE
It makes things happen! (Or more formally: the ability to do work)
- Generator DEFINE
Changes energy from one form to another.
- Engine DEFINE
A machine that converts chemical energy from burning fuel to motion. Used to make trains, cars and buses go.
- Coal DEFINE
A solid fossil fuel that can be burned for energy.
- Oil DEFINE
A liquid fossil fuel that can be burned for energy. It is often used to make gasoline and plastics.
- Natural Gas DEFINE
A gas that can be burned for energy. It is often used to heat our homes and stoves.
- Ethanol DEFINE
A liquid renewable fuel made from plants like corn.
- Fossil Fuel DEFINE
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Reading Material
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DIY Activity Guide
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Lesson Plan
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Lesson Plan
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Teacher Guide