Naturally Speaking
Figure 1. The five sources of renewable energy.Copyright 2020 Sabina Schill
In this lesson, students identify the Earth's natural resources and classify them as renewable or non-renewable. They simulate the distribution of resources and discuss the fairness and effectiveness of the distribution. Students identify ways that they use — and waste — natural resources, and they explore ways that engineers interact with natural resources.
The development of new resource technologies and innovative clean-up methods for waste are common research areas for environmental engineers. When designing products or systems, engineers may use renewable resources, nonrenewable resources, or both. Some engineers invent new technologies that use renewable resources; however, it is the responsibility of all engineers to conserve non-renewable resources in everything they design for society. Other engineers work to clean up the water and air pollution that is created by coal and oil systems.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Understand the importance and consequences of use, preservation and conservation of the Earth's natural resources.
- Classify resources as either renewable or non-renewable.
- Develop an understanding for the ways natural resources are distributed.
- Understand how engineers interact with and use our natural resources.