Explore the Topic

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Learning Objective: Matter and energy. The student knows that some of Earth's energy resources are available on a nearly perpetual basis, while others can be renewed over a relatively short period of time. Some energy resources, once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable.

The student is expected to:

Research and debate the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources.

Provide students with a good working knowledge of the topic by giving them opportunities to explore information in the textbook, trade books, magazine and newspaper articles, video and pictures. After students have had a chance to explore the energy-related materials, create a web/thinking map to help them sort these new ideas and make connections.

Another option to introduce the research would be to have all students read and discuss one of the magazine or newspaper articles referenced below using the strategies outlined in The Comprehension Toolkit, Strategy Cluster 2, Lesson 6: Connect the New to the Known.

Textbook

Trade books (these titles are examples, other books can be used as well)

Bauman, Amy. Earth's natural resources. 333.7 B

Brown, Paul. Energy and resources. 333.7 B

Petersen, Christine. Alternative energy. 333.79 P

Stille, Darlene R. Natural resources. 333.7 S

Reference articles

"Renewable Energy." Kids InfoBits. Gale, 2008. Reproduced in Kids InfoBits. Detroit: Gale, 2009. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/KidsInfoBits

Magazine articles

Sugar power for cell phones. Sohn, Emily. Science News for Kids, April 25, 2007 pNA

The Future of Energy: Here are some cool new ideas for renewable energy sources. Delbanco, By Andrea. Time for Kids, Nov 18, 2005 v11 i11 p4

Renewable Energy Resources. (an increased use of renewable resources, such as solar energy, would benefit the environment) Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication, April 1999 v25 i8 pS14(1)