S4.9.7 For the adult
Energy resources
Which resource gives electricity at any hour, and gives out no carbon dioxide while it runs?
What this chapter teaches
Energy resources are renewable or non-renewable, and each has good and bad points: fossil fuels give out carbon dioxide, nuclear fuel is limited and makes waste, solar and wind depend on weather, hydro needs hills and water, and biofuels need land. The best choice depends on the place.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- Why is nuclear power called non-renewable although a reactor gives out no carbon dioxide?
- Which resource would you use in a sunny, dry place, and why?
- What is one bad point of a renewable resource?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Compare fossil, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro and biofuel resources
- Judge which resources suit a sunny, windy or hilly place
What they copy into their notebook
Renewable: replaced or never runs out. Fossil fuels and uranium are not. Solar needs sun, wind needs wind, hydro needs hills and water. Every resource has a cost. Choose by the place.