Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Energy Sources: Non-Renewable Energies

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

This stage of the lesson plan aims to provide students with a solid understanding of non-renewable energy sources, highlighting not only their characteristics and uses but also the environmental dangers associated with their inadequate management. The aim is to ensure that students develop practical and critical skills that are essential for the job market, especially in areas related to environmental sustainability and energy resource management.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the main non-renewable energy matrices, such as oil, coal, and natural gas.

2. Identify the environmental impacts caused by the extraction, use, and improper disposal of non-renewable energy sources.

Side Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of sustainable management in the exploration of non-renewable energy resources.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to introduce students to the topic of non-renewable energy sources, highlighting their importance and the environmental challenges they pose. Additionally, it aims to spark students' interest through curiosities and initial activities that connect the content with real situations and the job market.

Contextualization

Non-renewable energy sources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, play a crucial role in the global economy, accounting for the majority of energy consumed worldwide. However, the use of these energy sources generates a series of environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. With the increasing concern for sustainability, understanding the impact of these energy sources is essential for any professional wishing to work in areas related to the environment, energy, and technology.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Oil is known as 'black gold' due to its economic importance and its widespread use in manufacturing products such as plastics, medicines, and cosmetics. Coal was the main energy source during the Industrial Revolution, but today it faces severe criticism due to its high environmental impact. Natural gas is considered one of the least polluting energy sources among non-renewables and is widely used in industries and for electricity generation. In the job market, there is a growing demand for professionals specialized in alternative energies and in mitigating the environmental impacts caused by non-renewable energy sources. Environmental consulting firms, oil and gas industries, and regulatory agencies are some of the employers seeking this knowledge.

Initial Activity

Provocative question: 'How would our lives change if non-renewable energy sources were depleted tomorrow?' Short video: Show a 3-minute video depicting the environmental and social impact of the extraction of oil, coal, and natural gas, available on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' understanding of non-renewable energy sources and the associated environmental impacts. Through practical and reflective activities, students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired critically and collaboratively. Furthermore, the fixation and evaluation exercises will allow the teacher to assess the students' understanding and ability to apply the concepts.

Covered Topics

1. Main non-renewable energy sources: oil, coal, and natural gas.
2. Process of extraction and use of these energy sources.
3. Environmental impacts of the exploration and improper use of non-renewable energy sources.
4. Sustainable management and mitigation of environmental impacts.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on the consequences of the continued use of non-renewable energy sources for the environment and society. Question them about how dependence on these energy sources may influence economic, social, and environmental aspects in the future. Promote a debate about possible alternatives and the importance of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.

Mini Challenge

Construction of an Environmental Impact Model

Students will build a model representing the environmental impacts caused by the extraction and use of non-renewable energy sources. The model can be made with recyclable materials and should visually illustrate the main problems, such as air pollution, water contamination, and soil degradation.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.
2. Distribute recyclable materials (cardboard, PET bottles, caps, etc.) and crafting tools (scissors, glue, markers, etc.).
3. Instruct the groups to briefly discuss the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources and choose a specific aspect to represent in their models.
4. Each group must outline a construction plan and list the materials needed.
5. Assist the groups in building the models, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
6. After construction, each group should present their model and explain the environmental impacts it represents.

Objective: Develop practical and teamwork skills, as well as promote a visual and critical understanding of the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources.

Duration: (30 - 40 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three non-renewable energy sources and briefly describe the extraction process for each.
2. Explain two environmental impacts caused by the improper use of non-renewable energy sources.
3. Propose a sustainable solution to mitigate the environmental impacts of one of these energy sources.
4. Debate in groups about the feasibility of replacing non-renewable energy sources with renewable alternatives in different sectors of the economy.

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, promoting a synthesis of the content covered and critical reflections on the topic. This stage also aims to reinforce the connection between theory and practice, preparing students to apply the knowledge acquired in real contexts and in the job market, highlighting the relevance of the topic for sustainable development.

Discussion

Facilitate an open discussion among students on the topic addressed, encouraging them to share their reflections on the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources. Ask them to discuss the mini-challenges conducted during the class and how they helped to better understand the concepts. Stimulate students to think about possible sustainable solutions and the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Question students on how the practical skills developed during the class can be applied in real situations and in the job market.

Summary

Recap the main content presented, addressing the main non-renewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas, the processes of extraction and use of these sources, and the resulting environmental impacts. Highlight the importance of sustainable management and possible solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. Explain how the class connected theory with practice through maker activities and the mini-challenge of building the environmental impact model.

Closing

Conclude the class by emphasizing the importance of understanding non-renewable energy sources and their environmental impacts for sustainable development and environmental preservation. Explain that, with the knowledge gained, students are better prepared to contribute consciously and critically to the debate on energy sustainability and to work in fields related to energy resource management and environmental consulting.