Renewable Energy
Year 6 students investigate renewable and non-renewable energy sources, examining how energy is transformed and the environmental impact of different energy choices.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Non-renewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas) are fossil fuels that form over millions of years and release CO₂ when burned
Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) are replenished naturally and produce little or no direct greenhouse gas emissions
Energy transformations occur in all power generation: e.g. solar panels convert light energy to electrical energy
Australia's energy mix is shifting towards renewables as the country addresses climate change and energy security
Key Vocabulary
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water
Non-renewable energy
Energy from sources that cannot be replaced at the rate they are used, such as coal and oil
Energy transformation
The conversion of energy from one form to another (e.g. kinetic to electrical)
Fossil fuels
Coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
Question 2
A wind turbine converts wind energy into which other form of energy?
Question 3
What is one environmental advantage of solar panels over coal-fired power stations?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Non-renewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas) are fossil fuels that form over millions of years and release CO₂ when burned
- ●Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) are replenished naturally and produce little or no direct greenhouse gas emissions
- ●Energy transformations occur in all power generation: e.g. solar panels convert light energy to electrical energy
- ●Australia's energy mix is shifting towards renewables as the country addresses climate change and energy security