GEOGRAPHY

THEME – ENVIRONMENT AND ITS RESOURCES

CLASS – SS 2

 

TOPIC – RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES

LEARNING AREAS 

1. Renewable and Non Renewable Energy

2. Types of Renewable and Non Renewable Energy

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable and Non Renewable Energy

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL

1. Illustrative Diagrams and sketches

2. Documentaries

3. Maps

4. Photographs

5. Video  clips/tapes

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the concept of renewable and non-renewable resources.

2. give examples of each type.

3. state the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable resources are natural resources that can replenish itself at the rate it is used. Renewable resources include biomass energy (such as ethanol), hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy, and solar energy.

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. These sources of energy are abundant and do not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants that contribute to climate change.

 

TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy is seen as a crucial part of transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. It offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

There are several types of renewable energy sources, including:

1. Solar energy – Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity or heat for homes, businesses, and cities. Solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources.

2. Wind energy – Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing the power of wind. Wind energy is a clean, abundant, and cost-effective source of renewable energy.

3. Hydropower – Hydropower plants use the flow of water to generate electricity. Dams and reservoirs can store water to be released when needed, making hydropower a reliable source of renewable energy.

4. Geothermal energy – Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity and heat buildings. Geothermal energy is a constant source of renewable energy that is available 24/7.

5. Biomass energy – Biomass is organic material that can be burned to produce heat and electricity. Biomass energy sources include wood, agricultural waste, and biofuels.

6. Ocean energy – Ocean energy includes tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion technologies that harness the energy of the ocean. These sources of renewable energy have the potential to provide a large amount of clean, reliable power.

 

ADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES 

1. It is Eco-friendly.

2. It is a renewable resources.

3. It helps to reduce pollution.

4. It combats climate change.

5. It helps reduce dependence on imported fuels, increasing energy security.

6. It is cost effective.

7. It creates job opportunities.

8. It reduces reliance on a single energy source.

9. It is sustainable and reliable.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

1. It is intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, making it difficult for steady supply.

2. It may require energy storage technologies, which can be expensive and have technical limitations.

3. It can impact ecosystems and habitats.

4. It initial is always high.

5. It has infrastructure challenges.

6. It has limitations.

The overall of advantages of renewable energy outweigh the disadvantages, and the ongoing research and innovation are addressing many of the challenges associated with its deployment.

 

MEANING OF NON RENEWABLE ENERGY

Non-renewable energy refers to sources of energy that are finite and cannot be easily replenished within a short period of time, making them unsustainable in the long run. These sources of energy come from fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, as well as nuclear power. Once these resources are depleted, they cannot be replaced, hence the term “non-renewable.”

 

TYPES OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

1. Fossil Fuels – This category includes coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. They are the most common sources of energy worldwide.

2. Nuclear Power – Nuclear power comes from the fission of uranium atoms in nuclear reactors. It is a controversial source of energy due to concerns about safety and the disposal of radioactive waste.

3. Underground Methane – Methane gas, also known as natural gas, is often found underground alongside oil deposits. It is used for heating, electricity generation, and transportation.

 

ADVANTAGES OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY

1. It is reliable and consistent energy production.

2. It is cheaper to extract and produce compared to renewable energy sources.

3. It is easier to transport and distribute energy to the consumers.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY

1. It is finite in supply and will eventually be depleted.

2. When it become scarcer, their extraction becomes more expensive, leading to higher energy costs.

3. It contributes to environmental degradation, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

4. It leads to climate change and other environmental issues.

5. It is associated with health risks, such as respiratory illnesses and cancer, due to the release of pollutants and toxic substances during their extraction and combustion.

6. It is often located in politically unstable regions, leading to conflicts over control of these valuable resources.

7. It often create geopolitical tensions and global security risks.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. uses pictures, charts and documentaries to explain the meaning of renewable and non-renewable resources.

2. takes students on field tour to identify renewable and non-renewable resources in their community.

3. initiates and guides discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

4. summarizes the highlights of the lesson on the board.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. listen to the teacher, ask and answered questions, take down notes.

2. participate in field work.

3. watch documentary films of renewable and non-renewable resources.

4. participate in class discussions.

5. tabulate resources, as renewable and non-renewable resources.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.

2. state three advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable resources.