SOL 3.11 ~ Energy

The student will investigate and understand different sources of energy.  Key concepts include:

  • the sun’s ability to produce light and heat energy 
  • natural sources of energy including sunlight, water, and wind 
  • types of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and wood 
  • renewable and nonrenewable energy sources
What is the Earth’s main source of heat and light?
The sun is the source of almost all heat and light energy on Earth.  

Plants and animals depend on the sun as their main source of light and heat.  We can use the sun’s natural energy in many ways.  

 What are some important natural resources we use to make electricity?
All living things and natural processes on Earth need energy. 

There are different sources of energy available to us on the earth.  Some are sources that occur naturally, like sunlight, wind, and water.  Others are types of energy we generate, like electricity, from the force of flowing water or air (wind).

Wood comes from trees.  It has many important uses including that of being a fuel.

Fossil fuels are a natural source of energy that were formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived and died long ago.  Over time, these remains were changed into energy-rich fuels.  Oil (petroleum), coal, natural gas and gasoline are fossil fuels.  Fossil fuels are obtained from under the ground.
 

 
What is the difference between a renewable resource and a nonrenewable resource?
A renewable resource is one that can be replenished in our life times. Sun, wind, and water are renewable resources.  Since the supply of water is set and relies on renewal through the water cycle, we have to be careful how much we use at a time.

Solar Energy Pictures     ~     Energy from the Sun     ~     What is Solar Energy? (in pdf)

Wind Energy Pictures     ~     Energy from Moving Air     ~     What is Wind Energy? (in pdf)

Water Energy Pictures     ~    Energy from Moving Water     ~     What is Hydropower? (in pdf)

 

Nonrenewable resources are those that take longer than a human lifetime to replace.  Fossil fuels are an example of a nonrenewable resource; once they are used up they can’t be replaced.  

Oil (petroleum)        ~         What is Petroleum?  (in pdf)    

Coal            ~         What is Coal?  (in pdf)

Natural Gas           ~         What is Natural Gas? (in pdf)

 
Review Activities

  Energy Terms to Know    ~    Energy Terms Matching     ~     Energy Terms Flashcards

Energy Rags to Riches

Other Sites to Check Out!

Study Guide        ~        Dr. E's Energy Lab        ~        Energy Kid's Page

Science Background - Sources of Energy (in pdf)

Energy Sources PPT