Fossil fuels
A collection of resources collated for the Design and Technology GCSE, to support the teaching of electricity generation by fossil fuels.
Electricity Generation: Non Renewables
Fossil Fuels and nuclear energy still account for over 60% of the UK's electricity generation and in some countries their use is even on the rise. As well as containing clear explanations and graphics to illustrate how energy from coal, gas and uranium is used to generate electricity, this video clip explores the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel source. It includes debates around nuclear safety, fracking and carbon capture and storage.
Energy Generation
This collection of resources provides classroom presentations and activities to engage students in different types of energy generation. Content covered includes renewable and non renewable energy types, environmental impact and provides examples of different types of power stations around the world.
Energy Analyst *suitable for home teaching*
Rebecca Beresford is an energy analyst at EDF Energy. This clip could be useful when teaching about sustainable development, enery efficiency or climate change. It also illustrates a career that requires an understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Rebecca describes her role, "Basically I help choose which power stations EDF should build in the future. I rely on my science and maths knowledge every day. I need to understand how coal, gas, biomass and renewable energies work, and how they affect the environment. So that I can advise EDF Energy to make the right decision."
Biofuels 101
A Youtube video explaining what biofuels are and where they come from.
Coal Fired Power Plant
Youtube video: "In coal-fired power stations, the raw feed coal from the coal storage area is first crushed into small pieces and then conveyed to the coal feed hoppers at the boilers. The coal is pulverized into a very fine powder. The pulverisers may be ball mills, rotating drum grinders, or other types of grinders."
Generating electricity
This resources investigates how electrical energy is generated from renewable and non-renewable sources.
Suggested learning outcomes include:
- To know the difference between a renewable and a non-renewable source of energy.
- To understand how electrical energy is generated from at least one renewable and one non-renewable source.
- To explain the advantages and disadvantages of generating electrical energy from different sources.
