Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
A West Texas ridge with wind turbines beside an oil pumpjack at sunrise.

Science / All lessons / Energy and Earth Resources

Renewable and Nonrenewable

Advantages and disadvantages of each.

Lesson 30 of 40

Try this first

Before we start

Today’s story

Renewable and Nonrenewable

Drive across West Texas and you will see two things. Tall wind turbines turning. Pumpjacks nodding up and down.

The wind is renewable. It will blow again tomorrow. Oil is nonrenewable. It formed over millions of years, and we use it much faster than nature makes more.

Each kind has good points and bad points. Smart people weigh them. Follow the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Pros and Cons Chart

    25 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Paper
    • Pencil
    • Ruler
    • Library book or school computer

    Do this

    1. Draw a table with four columns for sun, wind, oil and coal.
    2. Add two rows, advantages and disadvantages.
    3. Use a trusted source to find facts for each.
    4. Write short notes in each box.
    5. Circle the one that looks best for your town.
    6. Share your pick with a partner.
    7. Listen to theirs.
    Write or draw: A completed chart and one sentence on which source fits your town best.

    Watch for: Different places suit different sources. Sunny places suit solar. Windy plains suit wind.

    Safety: Use the internet only with an adult nearby.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Renewable refills in a short time.

    Nonrenewable does not.

    Rule 2Every choice has trade-offs.

    No source is perfect.

    Rule 3Use facts to decide.

    Not just opinions.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    renewable
    A resource that nature refills in a short time.
    nonrenewable
    A resource that takes millions of years to form.
    fossil fuel
    Coal, oil or gas formed from ancient living things.
    advantage
    A good thing about a choice.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • How do you know a resource is renewable?
    • Which sources of energy do you see around your town?
    Did you know

    Texas produces more wind power than any other state.

    Someone who does this

    A petroleum engineer or a wind turbine technician works with energy.

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