Understanding the Earth's cycles can help us make more sustainable choices.
1. Cycles on Earth (Function)
2. The distribution, demand, and use of natural resources (Connection)
3. Taking action for responsible use of natural resources (Responsibility)
Fracking resources / links:
The Frack Free Kimberley site explains what fracking is, and lists the impacts on the environment that the organisation is concerned about. Diagrams illustrate the process and the risks.
Read Newsround's guide to fracking, a technique used to capture a type of gas found deep underground in shale rock. A video explains the process, and why opinion is divided for and against it.
Drilling companies suggest trillions of cubic feet of shale gas may be recoverable from underneath parts of northern England, through a process known as fracking. A short BBC video explains the process. There is also a simple diagram on shale gas extraction.
Dr Peter Stone, of CSIRO, is interviewed about the known effects of coal seam gas on human health and the environment. Discussion includes discussion of fracking and the risk of contamination of water.
The US Energy Information Administration explains that there are environmental and safety issues associated with the production and use of natural gas, and includes the concerns about the process of fracking.
The Tiki site explains environmental energy issues in simple terms with topics on the problems with plastic, energy and fossil fuels, climate change, pollution, genetic engineering, fracking, and food supply. Sections of the site are suitable for an interactive whiteboard.
Oil transportation and risks
Oil spills are looked at in detail for primary students.
From the United Nations, this site provides information about oil spills and proximity to sensitive environmental regions.
Greenpeace argues that coal mining causes deforestation and releases toxic amounts of minerals and heavy metals into the soil and water. Coal mining's effects persist for years after coal is removed. Effect of human activity on habitat.
StudyJams presents a slideshow on how fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal are created, what they are used for, and the problem of pollution. Students can test their knowledge afterwards with a quiz. Suitable for an interactive whiteboard.
Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will eventually run out, such as oil and coal. National Geographic presents the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and their effect on the environment. Effect of human activity on habitat.
This geology game helps students to learn about igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types and includes: granite, basalt, obsidian, pumic, quartz, slate, schist, magnetite, marble, graphite, chalk, coal, sandstone, shale, limestone. Suitable for an interactive whiteboard.
On this site Professor Quester answers learners' questions about energy. Topics on which questions have been asked and answered include fossil fuels, hydroelectric power, solar energy, nuclear energy, electricity and efficiency, renewable energy, wind energy, geothermal, tidal and sound energy and energy transportation.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/explosive-train-derailments-prompt-u-s-advocate-safety-improvements-oil-transport/
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-keystone-pipeline
