This PowerPoint resource provides an engaging lesson for middle school students on how electricity is generated using fossil fuels. It emphasizes key processes, the environmental impact of fossil fuel usage, and the concept of renewable versus non-renewable resources.
Key learning objectives:
- Understanding what fossil fuels are, their origin, and why they are considered non-renewable.
- Describing how fossil fuels are used in power stations to generate electricity.
- Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels for energy production.
- Recognizing the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, including the production of greenhouse gases and acid rain.
Resource features:
The lesson begins with a starter activity to activate prior knowledge, asking students to calculate the efficiency and power of devices using simple equations. Core concepts are introduced with clear explanations and relatable examples:
What are Fossil Fuels?
Explains that fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are formed from the remains of plants and animals over millions of years under heat and pressure.
Combustion and Energy Transfer:
Discusses how the chemical potential energy stored in fossil fuels is released through combustion to generate heat energy, which is converted to electricity in power stations.
Environmental Impact:
Highlights the production of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide during combustion, their role in global warming, and the formation of acid rain.
Finite Resources:
Explains the difference between finite and renewable resources, emphasizing that fossil fuels are non-renewable and being depleted rapidly.
Interactive tasks include:
- Labeling a power station diagram to understand the process of electricity generation.
- Sorting statements into advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels (e.g., “release lots of energy” vs. “cause acid rain”).
- Reflecting on the environmental and societal effects of continued fossil fuel use.
The plenary activity reinforces learning by reviewing the key processes and asking students to consider alternative energy sources.
File details:
This editable ‘.pptx’ file aligns with middle school science curricula. It features clear visuals, structured content, and engaging activities, making it an essential resource for teaching energy production and environmental awareness.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.