FORMS OF ENERGY – LESSON PLAN 2.

Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

This lesson is designed for 3rd – 5th grade students in a variety of school settings Public School
(public, private, STEM schools, and home schools) in the seven states served by System Teaching
local power companies and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Community groups Standards Covered
(Scouts, 4-H, after school programs, and others) are encouraged to use it as well.
State
This is one lesson from a three-part series designed to give students an age- Science Standards
appropriate, informed view of energy. As their understanding of energy grows, it will • AL GLE 3.1.3 3rd
enable them to make informed decisions as good citizens or civic leaders. • AL GLE 3.3 3rd
• MS 9.c 4th
This lesson plan is suitable for all types of educational settings. Each lesson can be • KY SC-5-ET-U-2 5th
adapted to meet a variety of class sizes, student skill levels, and time requirements. • TN SPI 0407.7.2 and
WCS 4th
Setting Lesson Plan Selections Recommended for Use
Common Core
Smaller class size, • The “Modeling” Section contains teaching content. Language Arts/Reading
higher student • While in class, students can do “Guided Practice,” complete the • ELA.CCSS.W.4.1 MS,
ability, and /or “Recommended Item(s)” and any additional guided practice items the teacher TN 4th
longer class length might select from “Other Resources.” • ELA.CCSS.W.5.1 KY 5th
• NOTE: Some lesson plans do and some do not contain “Other Resources.” • ELA.CCSS.W.3.1 AL 3rd
• At home or on their own in class, students can do “Independent Practice,”
complete the “Recommended Item(s)” and any additional independent
practice items the teacher selects from “Other Resources” (if provided in the
plan).
Average class • The “Modeling” Section contains teaching content.
size, student • While in class, students complete “Recommended Item(s)” from “Guided
ability, and class Practice” section.
length • At home or on their own in class, students complete “Recommended Item(s)”
from “Independent Practice” section.
Larger class size, • The “Modeling” Section contains teaching content.
lower student • At home or on their own in class, students complete “Recommended Item(s)”
ability, and/or from “Independent Practice” section.
shorter class
length

Electrical Safety Reminder: Teachers should remind students that electricity is dangerous and that
an adult should be present when any recommended activities or worksheets are being completed at
home. Always obey instructions on warning labels and ensure one has dry hands when touching
electronics or appliances.

Performance Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• Identify, explain, and provide examples of both renewable and non-
renewable energy sources.
• Discover ways to conserve energy.
• Evaluate their families’ use of energy.
• Understand the benefits and disadvantages of using renewable
resources.
LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 1 of 10
I. Anticipatory Set (Attention Grabber)
Essential Question

How can we be sure to never run out of energy?

II. Modeling (Concepts to Teach)

A natural resource is given by nature and can be used as a source of energy. A renewable natural resource is
one that can be renewed, or replenished in a reasonable amount of time (in years or a human-life span), once it
has been used. Renewable energy is generated from natural sources (sun, wind, rain, tides, and vegetation) and
can be generated again and again when needed. It is generally replenished naturally. For example, trees are a
renewable resource because once a tree is removed and used, a new tree can grow in its place. Additional
information is available at http://www.tva.gov/renewable/.

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 2 of 10

Types of Renewable Natural Resources

1. Solar Energy – The sun’s light contains energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Usually, when light hits
an object the energy turns into heat, like the warmth felt while sitting in the sun. But when light hits certain materials, like
silicon, the energy turns into an electrical current instead, which can then be harnessed for power. This was discovered
earlier in history when Einstein explained the Photoelectric Effect and proposed that light can act like a particle, as well
as a wave. For more information, see http://www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch/solar.htm and
http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/solar.htm.

A WORKING SCHEME OF HOW SOLAR WORKS

Image source: lerablog.org

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 3 of 10

2. Hydroelectric Energy – Hydroelectric plants use falling water from a dam to turn the turbine of a generator.
The generator then produces electricity. http://water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html or
http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/hydro.htm, http://www.tva.com/power/hydro.htm

3. Geothermal Energy – from the Greek words geo, or “earth,” and therme, meaning “heat.” Deep inside the
Earth lies hot water and steam that can be used to heat homes and businesses and generate electricity
cleanly and efficiently. The steam is used to drive turbines of a generator and the generator produces
electricity. http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/geothermal2.htm

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 4 of 10

4. Wind Energy – The energy of the wind is transferred to the turbines of the generator and the generator
produces electricity. Wind turbines use the momentum of moving air to quietly turn large blades that are
attached to the shaft of an efficient electric generator. http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/wind.htm

5. Biomass Energy – Biomass is matter usually thought of as garbage. This matter includes things like leaves,
tree branches, leftover crops, wood chips, and bark. It can even include animal manure and old tires.

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 5 of 10

 The biomass is then placed into a furnace and burned, or the methane gas in a liquid or gaseous state from
algae or rotting / decomposing materials is captured. The heat generated is used to boil water. The steam
from the boiling water is used to turn turbines and generators to produce electricity.

A non-renewable natural resource is one that has specific conditions that made them (like fossilized plant
matter converting into coal), and can take many generations to reproduce. Sometimes the conditions are not likely
to occur again so they are limited in supply and once used cannot be re-generated within a short span of time.
Non-renewable sources exist in the form of natural gas, oil, and coal. For example, fossil fuels have been
percolating beneath the Earth for hundreds of millions of years, and once they’re gone, they’re going to take
millions more years to replenish.

Types of Non-Renewable Natural Resources

1. Coal Energy – Coal is the product of millions of years of pressure on organic matter from plants buried
underground. According to Energy Information Administration, coal-burning power plants are the number one

source of electricity in the U.S., and burning coal is an inexpensive way to generate electricity compared to
many renewable sources. However, burning coal produces greenhouse gases, which scientists believe is
contributing greatly to global warming. http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/fossil.htm

2. Oil Energy – Crude Oil is referred to as Liquid Petroleum. It is used for gasoline, heating oil, and diesel fuel.
In addition, manufacturers utilize oil for such products as plastics and industrial chemicals.

3. Natural Gas Energy – Natural gas reserves often share space with underground oil reserves, so the two

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 6 of 10

 non-renewable resources are often extracted at the same time. Consumers use it as cooking fuel, to heat
houses, and sometimes as vehicle fuel. It is also used to generate 27.6% of the U.S. electricity. It would take
many generations, perhaps millions of years, to replenish natural gas.
http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/combustion.htm

4. Nuclear Energy – Nuclear energy makes use of Uranium-235, a radioactive chemical naturally found in the
earth. This radioactive substance undergoes decay and in the process releases a great deal of heat. The heat
is then used to create steam; that steam is used to turn a turbine in a generator. The generator produces the
electricity. There are no greenhouse gases released in this process. However, there are radioactive
byproducts that must be stored safely because they are an environmental hazard. It is considered a non-
renewable form of energy because it takes real manipulation to split an atom.
http://www.tvakids.com/electricity/nuclear.htm Other
Wind 4.2%
Hydropower Renewables
6.7% 2.1%

U.S. NET ELECTRICITY GENERATION

BY ENERGY SOURCE (2013)
Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA), Coal 39.3%
Monthly Energy Review, May 2014, Table 7.2a, 2014. Nuclear 19.5%
http://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/ - electricity

Petroleum 7.0%
Natural Gas
27.6%

The above chart shows the percent of electricity generation by energy source. Most power is now generated from
coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants. If time permits, teachers can go over each source in the pie chart.

III. Checking for Understanding

Teachers can ask students these questions to determine understanding of concepts.

List the renewable energy sources. List the non-renewable sources of energy.
REMEMBER (Teachers can list these on the board with help from students. Ex. Renewable – solar,
wind, etc.)

UNDERSTAND Explain the difference between a renewable and a non-renewable energy source.
(Class discussion)

ANALYZE Categorize a list of sources of energy (water, wind, coal, natural gas, etc.) into the
correct categories of renewable and non-renewable energy. (Class discussion)

EVALUATE Debate the pros and cons of using non-renewable energy. (Class discussion)

Create a brochure that persuades people in your community to conserve energy.

CREATE (Teachers instruct students to create a brochure on a piece of paper.
http://www.education.com/activity/article/make_a_fun_brochure_fourth/)

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 7 of 10

IV. Guided Practice Ideas
Recommended Items
Shoebox Solar Oven (see below)

Class Activities
• Classroom exercise: Separate classroom board with a line. Put Renewables title on one side and Non-
Renewables title on the other side. Teachers have students draw the different types of energy to tape or post
on the board. At the end of the lesson, hand out a piece of paper to each child to write down and/or draw the
types of energy in their respective categories of renewable and non-renewable energy. Children can take the
paper home to teach adults in the household.
• Field trip: If school location permits, consider a field trip to a hydropower dam or Raccoon Mountain Pump
Storage plant visitor center. Raccoon Mountain is a Pump Storage Plan that uses power to pump water at
night, and then uses water to generate electricity during the day. Discuss how a Pump Storage Plant like
Raccoon Mountain fits. Is it a renewable or non-renewable or hybrid (both)?

Experiments
• Shoebox Solar Oven Experiment http://www.ehow.com/how_6303306_make-oven-school-project-
shoebox.html
• Power From Water Experiment: http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/water-produce-energy/
• Hydropower: The Final Experiment: http://blogs.cas.suffolk.edu/mattersofsci/2012/05/03/hydropower-
the-final-experiment/
• Create a Windsock Experiment (Duke Energy) http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/wind-power-
education-for-kids.pdf
• Sun Angles and Solar Power Experiment http://www.kidwind.org/

Games
• Interactive Game – Save the World: http://www.wonderville.ca/asset/save-the-world

Other Resources
Practice that uses math/reading standards:
• Wind Energy Math: Measure the sweeping area of a wind turbine http://www.kidwind.org/
• Class-wide debate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Teachers facilitate a classroom
debate about the pros and cons of using renewable vs. non-renewable energy.

Other activities and knowledge sites:

http://learn.kidwind.org/teach
http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/04/green-legos-solar-cars-and-wind-powered-lego-robots/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/energy/windenergy.html
http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com/high-bounce-ball.html

LESSON PLAN: LESSON 2.9 – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 8 of 10

V. Independent Practice Ideas
Recommended Items
See the Wind; At-Home Checklist: Renewable Energy at Home (see below)

Other Resources
Personal Practice
• Wind Power Worksheets: All four worksheets listed below are available at the following Duke Energy address:
http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/wind-power-education-for-kids.pdf
 Wind Power Crossword Puzzle
 Create Your Own Wind Turbine – connect the dots and color
 Wind Maze
 T/F, Fill in the Blank Worksheet
• Venn diagram: Teachers ask students to compare wind energy with their choice of another form of renewable
energy using a Venn diagram. (Ex. Draw two large intersecting circles. Label one circle wind energy and the
other circle another renewable energy, such as solar).
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/graphic_organizers/writing/venn-diagram.html
• Journal (if the students have a journal). Teachers write the following question on the board and ask students
to copy and answer the question in their journals: How is the use of different energy (renewable and non-
renewable) going to impact society long and short term?
Practice That May Involve Parents or Guardians
• At-Home Activity: See the Wind (kite, streamers, string, and balloon)
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/pdfs/wind_seethewind.pdf
• At-Home Checklist: Renewable Energy at Home – Teachers write the following question on the board and ask
students to copy it on a sheet of paper. What renewable energy sources does your home use?
• At-Home Activity: Teachers write the following question on the board and ask students to copy it on a sheet of
paper. How could you include more renewable energy in your home?

VI. Assessment
These items provide a check for understanding so teachers can easily determine whether concepts need to be
reinforced. These items can be graded, if desired.
• Journal (if completed as Independent Practice, as shown above)
• Wind Power Worksheets (if completed as Independent Practice, as shown above)
• Venn diagram (if completed as Independent Practice, as shown above)

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VII. Materials Needed
The following materials are needed for the “Recommended Items” in Guided Practice & Independent Practice
sections.
• Shoebox with a lid
• Black paper or black paint
• Ruler
• Knife or box cutter
• Craft glue
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Dowel rod

VIII. Closing the Lesson

In addition to the Essential Question shown below, teachers can reference Performance Objectives at the top of
the Lesson Plan.

Essential Question
How can we be sure to never run out of energy?

Set2_LP9of9_RenewableandNonrenewableEnergy_LPCname_FY2014Final

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