Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Introduction

• Begin the lesson by flipping off the light in your classroom. Explain that in a world without energy, many of the things we depend on every day—including lights, cars, washing machines, and phones—would not exist.
• Ask the class to explain what the word energy means. After some discussion, explain that energy refers to the power created by the use of resources.
• Prompt the class to guess what the word renewable means. Explain that renewable refers to something that can be replaced.
• Ask for a volunteer to tell you what the word non-renewable means, based on the use of the prefix non. If no one correctly defines it, explain that non-renewable refers to something that can't be replaced.