Provision of energy in the UK

• READY TO TEACH (LESSON 4/11 - RESOURCES).

This lesson requires the use of the blue AQA Oxford textbook.

Pupils complete a quick quiz as a starter activity to the lesson, which involves them identifying the top ten sources of energy. You may choose a volunteer to type the answers onto the screen, with answers being provided by pupils. Discuss the section of the syllabus taught during today’s lesson (slide 3). Explore the website identified on slide 4, it pinpoints energy use within countries of the world (very interesting to discuss as a class-based activity). See if pupils can identify which country in the world is solely dependent upon renewable energy (Iceland). Pupils make a note of the key terms displayed on slide 5 in their book. Pupils analyse the data shown in the pie charts in Figure 1 to explain how the UK’s energy use has changed over time. Show clip ‘Where does our power come from?’ Explain the importance of a switch towards more renewable energy sources in the future (slide 7). Show clip which discusses the meaning of fracking. Discuss with pupils the arguments for and against fracking, Pupils are to complete a table highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of fracking upon the environment, people and the economy. You may wish pupils present their own ideas before showing them slide 9, alternatively pupils can be shown the slide, making notes on their own handout. Using page 181 of the textbook, pupils are expected to create a table in their book identifying the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear and wind as forms of energy. An optional homework task - pupils watch the documentary Gasland to understand the true impacts caused to local communities from fracking. Pupils can feedback the following lesson the footage that shocked them the most e.g. drinking water being set alight, contamination of ground, impact upon wildlife etc.