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Year 5 - Geography

Identifying renewable and non-renewable energy sources

Natural resources: what are they, where are they found, why are they important?

Unit Summary

This unit introduces natural resources, including food, water, minerals and energy. Pupils explore where different resources are found, how they are used, and the effects of this use on people and the environment.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify renewable and non-renewable energy sources and understand the difference between them.

Key Notes

  • The sun, directly or indirectly, is the source of nearly all energy on Earth: plants use energy to grow the food we eat.
  • Non-renewable energy sources are fossil fuels: coal, oil, natural gas, and the elements uranium and plutonium.
  • Renewable energy sources include solar power, wind, wave and tidal energy, hydro-electric, biomass and geothermal.
  • Non-renewable sources are unsustainable, polluting and a cause of rapid climate change.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • finite: Finite resources have a limit, or an end and will run out.
  • hydro-electric: Hydro-electric power generates electricity by using water.
  • geothermal: Geothermal energy comes from heat contained within the Earth's crust.
  • unsustainable: An unsustainable resource is one that is being used more or faster than it can be replaced or regrown.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Fossil fuels (coal, gas and natural oil) are infinite.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The sun, directly or indirectly, is the source of nearly all energy on Earth: plants use energy to grow the food we eat. Non-renewable energy sources are fossil fuels: coal, oil, natural gas, and the elements uranium and plutonium.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'finite'

Finite resources have a limit, or an end and will run out.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Fossil fuels (coal, gas and natural oil) are infinite. Correction: Fossil fuels are finite - if used at the current rate, they will run out and are not sustainable.

More Lessons In This Unit

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