RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Renewable resources are all natural resources that can be replaced in nature over a period time. Energy Kids is a website formed by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and is very user friendly. The attached website has explanations, experiments, animations, games and virtual field trips that can be used inside the classroom.
Wind
Wind can be converted into useful energy. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy, which can then be converted into electrical energy. The attached link is an animation that shows and explains how wind can be harnessed as energy.
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WaterMoving water is a renewable resource that can be converted into mechanical energy. This source of energy is known as hydro-power and is one of the oldest power sources. Dams are built to help in the process of harnessing the energy from moving water. The attached link from the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum has a great animation and description showing and explaining how moving water is converted into hydroelectric power.
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SolarSolar energy consists of all the sun's rays. Solar energy can be used by trapping the thermal energy in a panel called a solar panel. The attached activity is a great example of how the sun’s energy can be harnessed as thermal (heat) energy.
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GeothermalGeothermal energy is the heat from the Earth. Geothermal resources can be found in shallow ground water or miles below the Earth’s surface. Geothermal uses include producing electricity, direct heating sources, and providing heat for buildings. The attached website is a great geothermal education website.
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NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES
A resource that is consumed quicker than it can replace itself naturally. Nonrenewable resources are found under the Earths crust and must be extracted and converted into their many uses for humans. The attached website has a fundamental definition and examples with illustrations of nonrenewable resources.
CoalCoal is a nonrenewable resource found on every continent on Earth and takes millions of years to form. Power plants burn coal to make steam, in order for the turbines spin and generate electricity. This resource includes background knowledge about coal and lesson plans.
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OilOil is a nonrenewable resource because it takes much longer for nature to make more of it, than we are using today. Oil is formed deep under the surface of the Earth where there is tremendous pressure. The attached animation shows and explains how oil is taken out of the earth for later uses.
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Natural gasNatural gas is a nonrenewable natural resource that is colorless, shapeless, and odorless in its pure form. Natural gas is one of the cleanest, safest, and most useful of all nonrenewable energy sources. The attached reading comprehension worksheet allows you to read about the history of natural gas and then answer questions about what you read.
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