This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Earth’s Resources’ SoW.
 
The lesson begins with a ‘Think > Pair > Share’ task, pupils will need to consider the definitions of the terms ‘Finite’ and ‘Renewable’. After a discussion in pairs and as a class, the definitions for these words can be revealed which pupils can write in their books.
 
Next, pupils will watch a video on the availability and sustainable use of Earth’s resources, pupils will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching these videos and can self-assess their work once finished.
 
Pupils are now introduced to a variety of natural resources which are getting used up by the chemical industry, students are given a list of these raw materials and are then asked to consider what factors might determine how quickly they may run out and the uncertainties surrounding estimates of how long they will last. After a discussion pupils can mind map their ideas, before the answers revealed and students can self-assess their work.
 
Next, pupils are shown how to calculate orders of magnitude - the skill is demonstrated and then pupils need to have a go at tackling a problem.
 
The next part of the lesson focuses on renewable resources, some
examples of renewable energy sources are introduced and then students need to complete a task whereby they read information about different renewable fuel sources and have to sum up the advantages and disadvantages for each. Students can complete a table of their ideas in their books, this task can be self-assessed using the mark scheme.
 
Finally, pupils complete an exam-style question on this topic and self-assess their work.