Essentials of Environmental Science: How We Make Energy
Provided by: Hot Mess|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: Hot Mess,
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video from Hot Mess explains how humans use a variety of energy sources to produce electrical power.
- Students will learn how non-renewable energy sources (oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear fission) and renewable energy sources (wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar) impact the environment differently.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The infographic presented at 3 minutes, 20 seconds provides an excellent visual overview of both types of energy sources and how they produce electricity.
- This video provides a straightforward introduction to many types of energy sources, how they are sourced, and the effects they have on the environment.
Prerequisites
- Advertisements play at the beginning and the mid-point of the video.
- They do not mention tidal power or kinetic power sources (such as kinetic energy tiles and surfaces) that are currently in development or in use in some locations.
- This video is a part of the Hot Mess video series, Essentials of Environmental Science.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science and social studies classes can discuss the costs of these different types of energy that are not accounted for, such as the costs to human health through air pollution and water pollution, or the costs of losing drinking water and land to steam plants, mining operations, pipelines, and waste disposal sites.
- Physics classes can learn more about nuclear fission with this Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell video and then discuss whether the safeguards in nuclear power plants provide enough protection from possible catastrophes.
- Other resources on this topic include this e-book on renewable energy, this interactive map of energy infrastructure in the United States, and this text on nonrenewable energy.
This resource is a 22-minute video that presents a rather comprehensive overview of energy production methods. After introducing the basics of energy physics, this resource examines in detail energy production from fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. This resource does not shy away from jargon, but does an excellent job explaining terminology and making the topic approachable. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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