DE Science Elementary
“5-Minute Prep” for
Earth’s Natural Resources
Renewable Resources
Value of Renewable Resources
Value of Renewable Resources –
The Big Ideas
• A renewable resource, such as solar energy, can be
replenished.
• A nonrenewable resource, such as coal and oil,
cannot be replenished quickly.
• A nonrenewable resource eventually runs out or
ceases to exist.
Value of Renewable Resources –
Prior Knowledge
Learning about the value of renewable resources is an
advanced topic, and students will probably not have much
background knowledge in this area. It would be helpful if
students viewed the FUN-damental, Earth’s Resources,
before beginning this unit. In addition, it would help
students if they:
– Knew the difference between nonrenewable and renewable.
– Have ever seen renewable resources like solar power being
used before.
Value of Renewable Resources –
Common Misconceptions
• The ocean is infinite so pollution is not a problem and
resources (like fish) are inexhaustible.
– Reality: The ocean is a precious resource which we must protect.
Evidence shows that pollution of the oceans is increasing and
over-fishing endangers many fish species, harming ocean
ecosystems.
• Solar panels make electricity from the sun’s heat.
– Reality: There are two types of solar panels. One uses light of the
sun to make electricity. The other captures the sun’s heat to
provide hot water or air.
Value of Renewable Resources –
Using DE Science Content
When you close this presentation, you can review the
following recommended resources for Value of Renewable
Resources.
• Exploration: Value of Renewable Resources
• Virtual Lab: How Big is Your Footprint?
• Video: Renewable Resources
• eBook: Living in Harmony
Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for
hyperlinks to these resources or you can get to them
through the browser or search feature.
Value of Renewable Resources –
Instructional Ideas
• As the students watch the video on renewable resources,
have them keep a T Chart to record the difference
between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
• Use the Exploration with the entire class.
– First, students find examples of nonrenewable resources.
– Then, students match elements to renewable sources and read
more about them.
– Divide students into three groups, wind, solar and water energy.
– Students can make informational posters and persuade others to
use their renewable resource for energy.
State Standards:
If you wish to review your state standards about
the value or Renewable Resources, click here to
get to the curriculum standards search feature of
DES.
http://discoveryeducation.com/forward/curriculum.cfm
You can click on any standard to see what
resources are available to teach it.
Additional Information:
For additional content, check the Extend section within the
concept.