Energy from Natural Resources(BrainPop)

Energy is the ability to do work or produce change. Every living thing needs energy to perform its daily functions and to live and grow. Plants get energy from the sun via photosynthesis. Animals get energy from food. People also use energy for many things, such as cooking, keeping food cold in the freezer, heating a home, electricity, and construction. Because billions of people use energy, there is a huge need for energy resources. 


Much of our energy comes from fuel. Fuel has energy that it releases, and is made of any material that can release energy in a chemical change. When fuel is used for its energy, it's usually burned and most of the energy is released as heat.  Burning fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas) is a major source of energy for many people. 


Many of Earth's resources that are used for energy are nonrenewable. Such natural resources are used faster than they can be replaced. There are alternative, renewable energy resources as well; wind and solar resources will not run out because they are replaced as quickly as they are used. 


Wherever you happen to be and whatever you happen to be doing, you are probably using natural resources. For example, if you are using a computer to read this information, you are using metals, plastics that come from fossil fuels, and many other materials that come from Earth's natural resources. The computer is powered by electricity, which may come from a nearby coal-fired electric plant or possibly from a solar panel on your home. One thing is certain - modern life requires lots of natural resources! 


Watch the following video:


Sources: Renewable vs Nonrenewable Resources. Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Earth-Science-Concepts-For-High-School/r16/section/12.4/ on January 3, 2014. and Obtaining Energy Resources. Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Earth-Science-Concepts-For-High-School/r16/section/12.2/ on January 3, 2014.