Sources of renewable energy for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Theme: Renewable Energy And Climate Change
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:

• define climate
• identify the sources of renewable energy

Previous Lesson: Climate change, global warming and the ozone layer
Topic: Renewable Energy And Climate Change: Sources Of Renewable Energy
Subject Matter: Sources of renewable energy

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define climate.
• Identify various sources of renewable energy.
• Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of renewable energy for environmental sustainability.
• Participate actively in group discussions about energy choices.

Psychomotor Domain

• Point out different renewable energy sources on charts or digital displays.
• Present findings from internet searches on renewable energy and climate change.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in groups to discuss and present on renewable energy sources.
• Engage respectfully in class discussions about 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
• Solar PV Installation and Maintenance for Senior Secondary Schools, Textbook 1
• 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 showing different energy sources
• Video clips on renewable energy technologies
• Digital devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones)
• Internet access
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand where our energy comes from and how our energy choices impact the environment. It lays the foundation for understanding sustainable energy practices and the role of solar PV systems in addressing climate change, which is crucial for environmental literacy and future career paths in renewable energy.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what energy is and some common uses of energy in their daily lives.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Renewable Energy And Climate Change: Sources Of Renewable Energy

Definition of Climate

Climate refers to the long-term average weather pattern in a particular region over a long period, typically 30 years or more. It includes patterns of temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, atmospheric pressure, and other meteorological variables.

Understanding Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that replenish themselves on a human timescale. These sources are considered inexhaustible or naturally replenished at a rate faster than their consumption. Using renewable energy significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change.

Examples of renewable energy sources include:

1. Solar energy
2. Wind energy
3. Hydroelectric energy
4. Geothermal energy
5. Biomass energy
6. Tidal energy

Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy is energy derived from sources that are finite and cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Once these resources are used up, they are gone forever or take millions of years to form again. The burning of non-renewable fossil fuels is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Examples of non-renewable energy sources include:

1. Coal
2. Petroleum (crude oil)
3. Natural gas
4. Nuclear energy (uranium is finite)

Sources of Renewable Energy

The main sources of renewable energy are:

1. Solar Energy: This is energy from the sun, captured using photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal collectors. It can be used to generate electricity, heat water, or provide light.
2. Wind Energy: This is energy generated from the movement of wind, harnessed by wind turbines. Wind farms convert kinetic energy into electricity.
3. Hydroelectric Energy: This is energy generated from the movement of water, typically by damming rivers and using the force of flowing water to spin turbines.
4. Geothermal Energy: This is heat energy derived from the Earth’s interior. It can be used for electricity generation or direct heating.
5. Biomass Energy: This is energy derived from organic matter such as plants, animal waste, and agricultural residues. It can be burned directly or converted into biofuels.
6. Tidal Energy: This is energy generated from the rise and fall of ocean tides, harnessed by tidal barrages or turbines.

Relationship between Energy Choices, Resource Availability, and Environmental Effects

The choice of energy source has significant implications for resource availability and the environment:

1. Resource Availability: Non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels are finite and will eventually run out. Relying heavily on them leads to resource depletion and energy insecurity. Renewable sources, being naturally replenished, offer long-term energy security.
2. Environmental Effects (Climate Change):
   • Fossil Fuels: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming and climate change, which manifests as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
   • Renewable Energy: Most renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. For example, solar panels generate electricity without burning fuel, and wind turbines use the natural force of wind. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint and helps combat climate change.
3. Pollution: Fossil fuel combustion also releases pollutants that cause acid rain, smog, and respiratory problems. Renewable energy sources generally have a much lower impact on air and water quality.
4. Economic Impact: Investing in renewable energy creates new jobs, reduces reliance on volatile global fuel markets, and can lead to long-term energy cost savings.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Internet Search, Class Presentation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to name different sources of energy they know or use in their homes and schools. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Renewable Energy And Climate Change: Sources Of Renewable Energy.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming energy sources like electricity, generator, solar, battery, etc.

Learning Point: Energy sources recall

Step 2: Definition of Climate

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the term “climate” and differentiates it from “weather,” providing simple examples. The teacher writes the definition on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification. They attempt to define climate in their own words.

Learning Point: Climate definition

Step 3: Introduction to Renewable Energy

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines renewable energy, highlighting its characteristics (naturally replenished, sustainable). The teacher shows charts displaying various renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, listen to the explanation, and identify some renewable energy sources.

Learning Point: Renewable energy concept

Step 4: Introduction to Non-Renewable Energy

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Comparison/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines non-renewable energy, explaining that these sources are finite. The teacher contrasts non-renewable sources with renewable ones, emphasizing the environmental impact of non-renewable energy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy.

Learning Point: Non-renewable energy concept

Step 5: Group Discussion and Internet Search on Sources of Renewable Energy

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation/Guided Research

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides them to use charts to discuss types and sources of renewable energy. The teacher further instructs groups to use digital devices and internet access to search for more information on the relationship between renewable energy and climate change.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, discuss the charts, search the internet, and gather information.

Learning Point: Renewable sources identification

Step 6: Class Presentation and Discussion

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Presentation/Feedback

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks each group to make a brief class presentation of their findings on renewable energy sources and their relationship with climate change. The teacher provides feedback and clarifies any misconceptions.

Pupils’ Activity: Each group presents their findings. Other pupils listen and ask questions.

Learning Point: Energy-climate relationship

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 climate?
2. Mention two characteristics of renewable energy.
3. List three sources of renewable energy.
4. How does the use of renewable energy help combat climate change?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Renewable energy understanding

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 definition of climate, renewable energy, non-renewable energy, and their sources into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Board summary recording

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future and its role in mitigating climate change. The teacher encourages students to think about how they can promote renewable energy.

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

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and write a short essay (200-250 words) on one specific renewable energy source (e.g., solar, wind, hydro). In your essay, describe how it works, its advantages, and any potential disadvantages, especially in the Nigerian context.

1. Choose one renewable energy source from the ones discussed in class.
2. Describe its basic working principle.
3. List at least two advantages of using this energy source.
4. List at least two disadvantages or challenges of using this energy source.
5. Suggest how this energy source can be effectively implemented in Nigeria.

Lesson Keywords

• Climate – Long-term average weather patterns of a region.
• Renewable Energy – Energy from sources that replenish naturally on a human timescale.
• Non-Renewable Energy – Energy from finite sources that do not replenish on a human timescale.
• Solar Energy – Energy derived from sunlight.
• Wind Energy – Energy derived from moving air.
• Hydroelectric Energy – Energy derived from flowing water.
• Geothermal Energy – Heat energy from the Earth’s interior.
• Biomass Energy – Energy from organic matter.
• Climate Change – Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

Differentiation

Support: For students who struggle, the teacher can provide simplified charts with fewer details and guide them more closely during group discussions, focusing on identifying just two or three main renewable sources. Provide pre-selected websites for internet searches to simplify the information gathering process.

Extension: Advanced students can be challenged to research the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different renewable energy technologies or investigate specific renewable energy projects in Nigeria. They can also explore the policy frameworks supporting renewable energy adoption.

Suggested Lesson Videos

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