Compare the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. This is a PowerPoint presentation, with accompanying teacher notes, which outlines the characteristics of a range of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. It describes the positives and negatives of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, and non-renewable energy sources, such as coal.

Educational value statement

• Reviews a variety of low emission technologies from the point of view of the minerals and energy sector
• Provides information in point form about each resource.
• Includes images, diagrams and graphs showing present and projected future energy patterns.
• Outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each resource.
• Includes detailed teacher notes containing suggestions and additional information for most slides
• Encourages examination of the environmental effects of each resource
• Includes information on the Coal 21 initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions from coal
• Can be downloaded as a PPT file.

Key learning objectives

• Students describe how energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity.
• Students explain what is meant by ‘renewable’ in relation to the Earth’s resources.
• Students compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including how they are used in a range of situations
• Students critically analyse the validity of information in secondary sources.

Strands

• Science Understanding: Earth and space sciences; Physical sciences
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science
• Science Inquiry Skills: Evaluating
• (Geographical knowledge and understanding: Environment).

Australian Curriculum content statements
Science: ACSSU219; ACSSU116; ACSSU155; ACSHE120: ACSIS172