Renewable vs non-renewable energy
Distinguish between renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, biomass) and non-renewable resources (coal, oil, gas, nuclear), comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts
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“If your child heard about a plan to build a new wind farm in your area, could they explain what the advantages and disadvantages would be compared to a gas-fired power station — both for the environment and for reliability?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Distinguish between renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, biomass) and non-renewable resources (coal, oil, gas, nuclear), comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts
What to notice. Lists at least four renewable and three non-renewable energy resources • Explains what makes a resource renewable or non-renewable • Compares the environmental impact of at least two different energy sources (e.g. wind vs coal) • Discusses trade-offs between cost, reliability, and environmental impact in choosing energy resources
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If your child heard about a plan to build a new wind farm in your area, could they explain what the advantages and disadvantages would be compared to a gas-fired power station — both for the environment and for reliability?
Distinguish between renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, biomass) and non-renewable resources (coal, oil, gas, nuclear), comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts
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Check understanding
- Lists at least four renewable and three non-renewable energy resources
- Explains what makes a resource renewable or non-renewable
- Compares the environmental impact of at least two different energy sources (e.g. wind vs coal)
- Discusses trade-offs between cost, reliability, and environmental impact in choosing energy resources
“If your child heard about a plan to build a new wind farm in your area, could they explain what the advantages and disadvantages would be compared to a gas-fired power station — both for the environment and for reliability?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Energy
- Age range
- Ages 12–14
Standards