Lesson 6 of 9

Energy resources

Goal: Compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources.

Puzzles for this lesson

An energy resource is something with stored energy that we can use, for example to generate electricity.

Non-renewableCoal, crude oil, natural gas and nuclear fuel. They will run out.

RenewableWind, solar, waves, tides, geothermal and biomass. They are replaced naturally, so they will not run out.

Coal, crude oil and natural gas are fossil fuels. They formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Fossil fuels are reliable, but burning them releases carbon dioxide, which adds to global warming.
Wind and solar release no carbon dioxide as they run, but they depend on the weather and the time of day.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can sort resources into the two groups.I can give one advantage and one disadvantage of each kind.

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Fossil fuel Coal, crude oil or natural gas

Renewable A resource that is replaced, so it will not run out

For teachers: AQA 3.3.1 · Cambridge 8ESp.02