Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Explore the world of renewable and non-renewable resources with STEM Scholars Hub. Discover the importance of sustainable energy sources, the impact of fossil fuels, and the future of resource management in our STEM workshops, online courses, and community events.

What Are Natural Resources?
Natural resources are materials or things found in nature that people use to live, work, and survive. These resources come from the Earth, sun, water, air, and plants. We use them every day—for electricity, transportation, building houses, making food, and even charging phones or watching TV.

There are two main types of natural resources:
1. Renewable resources

2. Nonrenewable resources

What Are Renewable Resources?
A renewable resource is a natural resource that can be replaced or renewed by nature in a short amount of time. These resources will not run out as long as we use them wisely.
Renewable Resource – A resource that can be replaced naturally and used again and again.
Examples of Renewable Resources:
• Sunlight – We can capture sunlight with solar panels to make electricity.
• Wind – Wind turbines spin when the wind blows to make power.
• Water – Moving water from rivers or dams can make hydroelectric energy.
• Biomass - is an organic material from plants and animals that can be used as a renewable source of energy.
• Trees – Trees can be cut down and replanted to grow again.
• Geothermal Energy – Heat from deep inside the Earth that can be used for power.

Real-Life Uses:
• Many homes and schools use solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity.
• Some cities have wind farms where wind turbines make clean energy.
• People plant new trees after using wood for furniture or paper.

What Are Nonrenewable Resources?
A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replaced quickly. It takes millions of years for these resources to form. Once they are used up, they are gone forever. Nonrenewable Resource – A resource that cannot be replaced quickly and may run out if used too much.
Examples of Nonrenewable Resources:
• Coal – A black rock that is burned to make electricity.
• Oil – A thick, black liquid found underground; used to make gasoline for cars.
• Natural Gas – A gas used for cooking and heating.
• Nuclear Energy – Comes from a metal called uranium, found in rocks deep in the Earth.
Real-Life Uses:
• Most cars use gasoline from oil to run.
• Some power plants burn coal to make electricity.
• Homes often use natural gas to heat water or cook food.

Why Should We Use More Renewable Resources?
Burning nonrenewable resources can cause pollution and add harmful gases to the air. This affects our climate and can make the Earth warmer—called climate change. Renewable resources are cleaner and better for the environment. They don’t run out easily and help protect nature for the future.
Benefits of Using Renewable Energy:
• Cleaner air and water
• Less pollution
• Energy that lasts forever
• Better for animals, plants, and people

How You Use Resources Every Day:
• Lights in your home are powered by energy.
• Gas in your family’s car may come from oil.
• Paper for your notebook comes from trees.
• Water in your sink may be powered by a pump using electricity.
• Solar lights outside your house use sunlight.
What Can You Do?
Here are some ways YOU can help:
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Recycle paper, plastic, and metal.
• Ride a bike or walk instead of driving.
• Ask your family about using solar panels or saving energy.
• Plant a tree or help in a garden!

Sources and References:
• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Energy Kids
• Florida Department of Education. Science Standards – SC.5.E.7.4
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). https://www.nrel.gov
• National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
• BrainPOP. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Video Lesson