Energy Sources
Upon completing this lesson the students will:
• Define energy and the major sources of energy currently in use.
• Explain the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation.
• Describe renewable energy sources and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Describe nonrenewable energy sources and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Evaluate energy sources for their contribution to sustainability and energy independence for the country.
Lesson Partners: The South Carolina Energy Office
Essential Question
1. How do people make use of resources to power their everyday energy needs?
2. How does the use of these resources impact the environment?
3. What are steps we can take to lessen the impact of energy production and use on the planet?
Grade(s):
- 3
- 6
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Computer with internet access
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Engage:
Have the students watch a short video describing renewable energy. Visit https://youtu.be/T4xKThjcKaE.
Explore:
1. Using the information at www.eia.gov/kids/energysources/renewable/, explore renewable energy sources. Have the students list five forms of renewable energy.
2. As a class, discuss the advantages of renewable energy sources. Using the information at www.eia.gov/kids/ energy-sources/nonrenewable.php, have the students list the four forms of nonrenewable energy. (Hint: They are written in blue!)
Explain:
Have the students research different types of energy sources. Each should choose four energy sources to research. The students can create their own way to present the information learned. They could present the information in a written essay, create a Prezi, a Google Doc, a slide presentation, or another teacher-approved way to show the information learned.
Have the students use the Energy Sources Student Worksheet to choose energy sources and begin their research.
Elaborate:
The students will continue their research on energy uses and conserving energy. Visit www.eia.gov/kids/ energy.cfm?page=us_energy_use-basics.
1. Have the students explain the four areas where energy is used in the United States and in South Carolina. Instruct students to construct an explanation of the information using the chart Total U.S. Energy Consumption by End-Use Sectors. South Carolina specific information is available at www.eia.gov/ state/?sid=SC. Click on CONSUMPTION BY SECTOR and find the chart “South Carolina Energy Use Consumption by Sector.” Have students answer the following questions:
• Where was the most energy consumed in the United States? Why? In South Carolina? Why?
• Where was the least energy consumed in the United States? Why? In South Carolina? Why?
2. Have the students list the five ways in which energy is used in our homes. Use the residential consumption information and data at www.eia.gov/consumption/ residential/.
• What is the most used type of energy in the home?
• Construct an explanation for why that is the most used type of energy.
3. Have the students describe the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation.
4. Have the students identify three different ways in which we can conserve energy.
Evaluate:
Have the students take this online quiz to measure their learning from the activity – www.eia.gov/kids/games-andactivities/quiz/.
E-Learning Activities:
The Energy Sources lesson can be completed virtually.
• For Grade 6, visit www.eia.gov/consumption/ residential/data/2015/c&e/pdf/ce3.4.pdf to create a consumption pie chart for the South Atlantic.
• See Renewable Energy Activities: Choices for Tomorrow, RENEW-A-BEAN, page 19, www.energy. gov/sites/prod/files/2014/06/f16/lesson297.pdf.
• See U.S. Energy Consumption by Sector, flowcharts.llnl.gov.
Energy Sources Worksheet
View ResourceE-Learning Activity
View ResourceE-Learning Activity
View ResourceE-Learning Activity
View ResourceStandards
- Earth Science: Earth’s Materials and Processes
- 3.E.4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the composition of Earth and the processes that shape features of Earth’s surface.
- Physical Science: Energy Transfer and Conservation
- 6.P.3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of energy, the transfer and conservation of energy, and the relationship between energy and forces.
Assessments
Have the students take this online quiz to measure their learning from the activity – www.eia.gov/kids/games-andactivities/quiz/.
