Fuels and energy resources
At key stage three, students should learn about fuels and energy resources, and this list aims to help teachers plan a series of lessons on this area of the curriculum. The list provides a range of activities, film clips, careers resources, lesson plans, background information, practical tips and suggested teaching strategies.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Energy and Appliances
This set of cards can be used as a starter activity when thinking about electrical appliances and domestic fuel bills. Looking at domestic fuel bills is a good way of illustrating how decisions on energy resources affect every one of us.
How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take to Change a Man?
This video features Cambridge University physicist, David Mackay, in a passionate, personal analysis of the energy crisis in the UK, in which he comes to some surprising conclusions about the way forward. He debunks some myths about energy saving – unplugging our phone chargers does not make any appreciable difference. After showing us what will not work, he goes on to show what will make a difference at home, like turning the thermostat down.
Case Studies in Biofuels Production *suitable for home teaching*
The resources aim to help students consider the advantages and disadvantages of different types of biofuels that are being produced or may be produced in future as renewable sources of energy for transport. Using these resources, students will begin by learning about the different types of biofuels that are being produced as alternative renewable sources of energy. They will explore the advantages and disadvantages of these different types of biofuels, and begin to make comparisons.
The Great Biofuels Debate *suitable for home teaching*
The resources help explore the various motivations that are driving the biofuels industry in different countries, and the possible impact that biofuels can have on people’s everyday lives. This resources include a role-play exercise to aid further exploration of the impacts of biofuels production in countries such as Brazil, Malaysia and the USA. At the end of the role play, students debate the question: should the UK increase the amount of biofuels it imports?
Energy and Recycling *suitable for home teaching*
Ignore the fact that the title of this film includes recycling, as it is actually about alternative sources of energy. The first half of the film looks at the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for cars and a refuelling station which converts solar energy into electrical energy and water to produce the hydrogen. We often focus on different sources of energy for domestic and industrial electricity supplies and so this film provides an alternative context in which to consider energy sources. It is also useful for considering the ‘internal energy stored in materials’ and energy transfers.
For a good explanation of how a wind turbine works, fast- forward to 8 minutes and 30 seconds into the film. Students will certainly be left with a sense of wonder due to the sheer scale and ingenuity of the engineering involved in building these huge turbines. It’s also a very good clip for looking at the advantages and disadvantages of wind as an energy source and would make a good introduction to a lesson where students are comparing different energy sources and choosing the most suitable for a given situation.
Wind Power
This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). One of the most important questions facing us all is how we will use the planet’s energy resources over the coming decades. Many people believe that wind power can make a vital contribution. Making informed choices, requires an understanding of what a wind turbine is and what it does. SEP has developed a model wind turbine to support practical activities and to help to explain the science behind wind power, involving concepts such as energy and power, the conservation of energy and energy efficiency.
The Challenge of Solar Power
This Inside Science video describes technologies and concepts which are attempting to use solar energy as a renewable source of electricity.
Energy Connections Card Sort
This is a challenging card sort and would work well at the end of the topic to assess understanding. The task is to put the 16 cards into groups of 4 related cards, explaining why they are linked.
Whilst a set of answers is provided, there is never one solution to problems like this and students should feel free to justify their own answers.
Energy *suitable for home teaching*
This topic lends itself well to achieving a Crest Award, so why not introduce your students to the scheme? CREST Awards are not only endorsed by UCAS for use in personal statements, but they also enable students to develop skills which will help in their studies and which are valued by employers. For information on Crest Awards, have a look at the British Science Association website. There are bronze, silver and gold awards to aim for. CREST is not a competitive scheme, if your students meet the criteria, they will receive an award.
This project looks at the issues around providing sustainable energy in poor communities. It encourages students to investigate energy sources such as wind power, solar power, biofuels and fossil fuels. Students also look at how energy can be stored and distributed.
Renewable and non-renewable energy resources
This resource uses the context of boats used in the America's cup sailing race to encourage students to think about the various types of energy resources, how they are used and the impact they have on the environment.
Energy farm
This interactive online game from Siemens introduces students to the opportunities and challenges presented by different energy technologies. Students are required to implement an energy system that meets the demand to run a farm whilst minimising the cost and environmental impact.
Renewables Don't Run Out
Children can explore a range of renewable energy resources through research and practical activity.
Sustainable stories and solutions for our planet
Exploring sustainable use of resources through stories.
Energy resources
This resource explores UK energy sources. Students learn that the UK currently uses a mixture of non-renewable and renewable energy resources for its energy supply but to mitigate climate change, more renewables must be used. The resource includes a game involving the use of different energy sources to generate electricity for the National Grid.
Green energy: What is the best design for a wind turbine?
This resource provides a set of videos of a practical investigation aimed at supporting working scientifically in the classroom and relating science to real world experiences, presented by Professor Brian Cox and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock. In this video, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock joins a teacher to demonstrate a green energy-themed classroom activity, including set-up, demonstration and the experiment being taught with a secondary age science class.
In the second video, we visit Andrew Scott from Orbital Marine Power to find out about their work on tidal turbines, and in the final video we visit Dr Billy Wu at Imperial College London to learn about his research into electro-chemical, low carbon energy technologies. The second and third videos have a focus on the skills required to work in these areas and offer young people an insight into which subjects or careers they may wish to pursue later in school and beyond. These resources could be a useful tool for careers advisors and form tutors to use during careers discussions. There are accompanying resources available to download.
