Relationship between renewable energy and climate change for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Curriculum Theme: Principles of solar photovoltaic (PV)
Focal competence: Demonstrate the knowledge of Solar PV System as a viable source of renewable energy for environmental sustainability
Key competencies/values: Digital Competencies; Environmental Literacy
Skills:

• discuss the relationship between renewable energy and climate change

Previous Lesson: Types of Solar PV Systems Grid-tied and Hybrid
Topic: Renewable Energy And Climate Change: Relationship Between Renewable Energy And Climate Change
Subject Matter: Relationship between renewable energy and climate change

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• discuss the relationship between renewable energy and climate change.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts
• Video clips
• Digital devices
• Internet access
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it connects energy choices to environmental sustainability, helping students understand the global impact of energy production. It provides foundational knowledge for appreciating solar PV systems as a solution to climate change, fostering environmental literacy and responsible energy consumption habits.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of different energy sources and general environmental concepts.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Relationship between Renewable Energy and Climate Change

Understanding Renewable Energy

Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural sources that replenish themselves on a human timescale. These sources are sustainable and do not deplete over time, unlike fossil fuels.

Examples of renewable energy sources include:

1. Solar Energy: Energy from the sun, harnessed using photovoltaic panels or solar thermal collectors.
2. Wind Energy: Energy from the movement of air, captured by wind turbines.
3. Hydroelectric Power: Energy generated from the flow of water, typically in dams.
4. Geothermal Energy: Heat energy from within the Earth’s crust.
5. Biomass Energy: Energy derived from organic matter such as plants, animal waste, and agricultural residues.

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts can be natural, but since the 19th century, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases.

Key terms related to climate change:

1. Global Warming: The long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere.
2. Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. They let sunlight pass through the atmosphere, but prevent the heat that the sunlight brings from escaping back into space. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane ( (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
3. Ozone Layer: A region of Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. Depletion of the ozone layer is a separate environmental issue from climate change, though some pollutants contribute to both.

Causes of climate change related to energy production:

1. Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) for electricity, heat, and transportation releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide.
2. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
3. Industrial processes and agricultural practices also release greenhouse gases.

Effects of climate change:

1. Rising global temperatures.
2. More frequent and intense heatwaves.
3. Changes in precipitation patterns, leading to more severe droughts or floods.
4. Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers and ice sheets.
5. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (e.g., storms, hurricanes).
6. Impacts on agriculture, food security, and ecosystems.

Relationship Between Renewable Energy and Climate Change

The burning of non-renewable fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) is the primary driver of climate change because it releases large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Renewable energy sources, in contrast, produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making them crucial in combating climate change.

How renewable energy mitigates climate change:

1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, thus significantly reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. This directly slows down global warming.
2. Cleaner Air: By replacing fossil fuels, renewable energy also reduces air pollutants that cause smog and respiratory problems, improving public health.
3. Energy Independence: Relying on local renewable resources reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and stability.
4. Sustainable Resource Use: Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, ensuring a continuous supply of energy without depleting finite resources.

In summary, transitioning from non-renewable energy sources to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change, protecting the environment, and ensuring a sustainable future.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall different sources of energy they know and their uses. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Relationship between Renewable Energy and Climate Change.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various energy sources like petrol, electricity, solar, etc.

Learning Point: Recalling energy sources

Step 2: Defining Renewable Energy

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what renewable energy is, providing examples like solar, wind, and hydro power. The teacher highlights that these sources are naturally replenished.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and note down definitions and examples.

Learning Point: Meaning of renewable energy

Step 3: Understanding Climate Change and Related Concepts

Time: 15 minutes

Teaching Skill: Video Analysis/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to watch video clips explaining the meaning of climate change, global warming, and the ozone layer. After the videos, the teacher facilitates a discussion on these concepts, clarifying any misconceptions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video clips, participate in the discussion, and ask questions about the concepts presented.

Learning Point: Climate change concepts

Step 4: Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the main causes of climate change, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions from burning non-renewable energy sources. The teacher also discusses the observed effects of climate change.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute examples of climate change effects they may have observed or heard about.

Learning Point: Causes and effects of climate change

Step 5: Exploring the Relationship

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Inquiry/Group Work

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and guides them to search the internet (using digital devices) for information on the relationship between renewable energy and climate change. Each group is tasked with identifying how renewable energy helps combat climate change.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, using digital devices to research and discuss the relationship, preparing to share their findings.

Learning Point: Renewable energy’s role

Step 6: Group Presentations and Reinforcement

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites each group to briefly present their findings. The teacher then summarises and reinforces the key points on how renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils present their findings and listen to other groups, consolidating their understanding.

Learning Point: Relationship consolidation

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is renewable energy?
2. Mention two examples of renewable energy sources.
3. What is climate change?
4. How does renewable energy help in combating climate change?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Relationship assessment

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the relationship between renewable energy and climate change into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Note-taking skills

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by reiterating the importance of renewable energy in creating a sustainable future and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The teacher encourages students to be advocates for renewable energy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main message.

Learning Point: Environmental sustainability importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, giving two examples for each.
2. Research and write a short paragraph on how the use of solar PV systems specifically contributes to reducing climate change.
3. Identify one local environmental issue in your community and suggest how renewable energy could help address it.

Lesson Keywords

• Renewable Energy – Energy from sources that naturally replenish.
• Climate Change – Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.
• Global Warming – The ongoing increase in Earth’s average temperature.
• Greenhouse Gases – Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Solar PV – Photovoltaic technology that converts sunlight into electricity.

Differentiation

For struggling learners: Provide simpler definitions and more direct examples. Pair them with stronger students for group activities and offer pre-selected websites for internet searches. Use charts with clear visuals.

For advanced learners: Encourage them to research specific renewable energy policies in Nigeria or globally. Challenge them to propose innovative ways to promote renewable energy adoption in their communities.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For videos on renewable energy and climate change, search on YouTube for: renewable energy and climate change for students SS1