Science 5: Energy Resources

Do you think we know all the sources of energy that exist now and that will ever exist? Or could we come up with something new?

Lee Patrick Sullivan follows electricity from its source to the light bulb in your home, explaining different fuels, thermal power generation, transmission and the grid.

But where does electricity come from, and how do we use it? Let's talk about that!

Information from the Alberta government about the primary resources in our province, including: oil sands, oil, natural gas, coal, minerals, tenure, and electricity and renewable energy.

What’s the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency? If you’re striving to lower your carbon footprint, these are two phrases you’ll hear quite a bit. Watch the video to learn more!

Different sources are used to generate electricity. The sources can vary depending on where you are in the world. So where does your electricity come from?

Find out why energy is so important to humans

Tommy and Remi, our energy adventurers, are ready to explore climate change and find ways that they can make a difference. In this story, they investigate the power of the sun.

In The Mystery of the Glowing Light, join Tommy and Remi as they charge into the shocking world of electricity and the electrical grid.

Thousands and thousands of structures and km’s of wire make up the electrical grid, the system that brings electricity to our homes, schools, workplaces and more. But what do we really know about it?

Learn how scientists look for new sources of energy

What does energy and spinning have to do with each other?

It’s time to test your knowledge!

Learn about the many types of sustainable energy!

When we talk about energy, most people think of electricity but there are actually other forms of energy all around us.

Learn how we can use batteries to store energy

The video explains the science of batteries. How were they developed, why do they lose charge, and how do batteries even store charge in the first place? Related Lesson

Learn about the importance of how we store energy

Coal is a combustible black or dark brown rock consisting of carbonized plant matter, found mainly in underground deposits and widely for electricity production.

Fossil fuel is a term used to describe a group of energy sources that were formed when ancient plants and organisms were subject to intense heat and pressure over millions of years.

Natural Gas is a flammable gas, consisting mainly of methane (CH4), occurring in underground reservoirs often with oil.

Nonrenewable energy comes from sources that will eventually run out, such as oil and coal.

Nuclear energy is released from the nucleus of atoms through the processes of fission or fusion.

Let's learn about nuclear energy and how it works!

There are some BIG problems with nuclear energy. Learn why some people think it's a terrible idea

Nuclear energy can help us solve climate change. Learn why some people think nuclear energy is a good idea!

Oil Sands is a form of heavy oil found in sand and rock primarily in the Athabasca region of Northern Alberta, Canada.

Take your students on field trips to the oil sands operations in Northern Alberta. Your students will learn what oil sand is, why it is important, and how it is extracted.

What would happen if there was no more oil or gas? Would we all live in the dark and cold?

154 videos made by researchers at the University of Alberta as resources for the new curriculum

A lot of energy comes to Earth from the Sun. Is it enough energy for humans to use? Find out!

A playlist from Natural Resources Canada of videos that share discussions of energy experts about the new technologies, trends, and ideas that are shaping the future of energy in Canada.

Can companies that make money producing energy continue to make money if they switch to using renewable sources?

Biofuels are combustible fuels created from biomass.

If we can run out of non-renewable energy, it is possible that we could run out of renewable energy too?

Geothermal energy refers to the production of energy using the internal heat of the Earth’s crust.

What are disadvantages of geothermal energy? Do they outweigh pros for geothermal energy? Should more people get geothermal energy at home?

Learn how we make sustainable energy from the wind and the water!

Did you know tides from the ocean are a form of energy too! Let's learn about tidal energy!

Learn about how we can use the sun's energy to mean our energy needs

Hydropower or hydroelectricity refers to the conversion of energy from flowing water into electricity.

Let’s explore solar energy with Future Energy Systems

We are going to explore thermal energy, the energy associated with a change in temperature.

When you see food waste, what do you see? Well these researchers would probably see biofuels!

The great thing about biomass energy (or simply “bioenergy”) is that its sources are plant and animal waste. So not only does biomass energy divert this organic matter from the waste stream — it turns it into something we all need.

Solar energy refers to technologies that convert the sun's heat or light to another form of energy for use.

Why don’t we exchange our fossil fuel dependence for an existence based only on renewables? Learn about the challenges. Related Lesson

Tidal power converts the energy from the natural rise and fall of the tides into electricity.

Let's talk about this other source of energy!

Renewable energy has taken root at the heart of the climate conversation. But how much do you actually know about renewable energy?

In this video, students will learn about uses of wind energy and types of wind turbines, as well as advantages and disadvantages of using wind energy.

This site discusses advantages and disadvantages of specific renewable and alternative energy sources

This page discusses the pros and cons of renewable energy generally.

There are many benefits to using renewable energy resources, but what is it exactly?

Explore the sustainability of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy and how much space each of these power sources use. Related Lesson

Renewable energy, often called clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, rides, waves, and geothermal heat.

What are disadvantages of geothermal energy? Do they outweigh pros for geothermal energy? Should more people get geothermal energy at home?

If solar and wind energy are better for the environment, why doesn't every one use them. Find out!

In this video, students will learn about uses of wind energy and types of wind turbines, as well as advantages and disadvantages of using wind energy.

The Energy Education Tool Kit includes tools, activities and lessons adapted to create an immersive education experience for your students. This kit is split into 8 topics, each exploring a different aspect of energy in Alberta.

A site with information and resources to help educators and students get a detailed look at energy across Canada.

Introduce students to alternative energy sources by having them build homes that make use of renewable energy in different Minecraft biomes.

Take your students on field trips to the oil sands operations in Northern Alberta. Your students will learn what oil sand is, why it is important, and how it is extracted.

Activities and videos from PBS that teachers can use to teach students about electricity

6 weekly modules about an hour each in the classroom combined with at-home superhero missions cover a range of climate, energy, and transportation topics. Teacher must create a free account to access.

This lesson plan explores an unplugged coding exercise focused on counting steps and efficiency. Geothermal map; Geothermal solutions; Hydro map; Hydro solutions; ; Solar Solutions; Wind map and Wind solutions

Teacher science resources on energy developed by the American Geosciences Institute

Students develop an understanding of how engineers use wind to generate electricity. Student teams build model anemometers to better understand and measure wind speed.