6 Ways to Discuss Renewable Energy in Science Lessons

On Monday, the UK’s last remaining coal power plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar was powered down after 57 years of generating electricity. This moment marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources. This might sound like pretty big news in the world of science, but how can you share this news with your class? Here’s how you can bring this big energy change to life in your KS1, KS2 or KS3 science lessons in a curriculum-friendly and accessible way. 

1.Discuss the history of the Industrial Revolution (KS1, KS2, KS3)

Do your pupils know what the Industrial Revolution was? If not, explain how it was a period of significant economic and social change that began in Britain in the late 1700s. Coal was the primary fuel driving this transformation - it powered steam engines, factories and the railways, enabling mass production and transportation of goods. Ask your students whether they know where coal comes from and why it became so important. 

2. Compare coal and renewable energy sources (KS2, KS3) 

One of the simplest ways to introduce the concept of renewable energy is by comparing coal to other sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Start by explaining that coal is a fossil fuel that comes from ancient plants buried underground for millions of years, and that it releases harmful gases when burned. Then, contrast this with renewable energy, which uses natural resources that are cleaner and won’t run out. 

Activity idea: Have your students create a simple chart that lists the advantages and disadvantages of coal versus renewable energy sources. This can lead to a discussion on why the UK has moved away from coal and embraced cleaner energy options. You could use DE’s COP lessons to further this discussion and find more resources. 

3. Explore energy generation at home (KS1, KS2) 

The concept of powering homes can be simplified for KS1 and KS2 science lessons by exploring how everyday devices - like a light bulb or a television - use energy. Ask your pupils to think about where the electricity comes from, introducing the idea that power used to come mostly from coal but is now increasingly generated by renewable sources. Show them a photo of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant and tell them that this is where electricity used to come from, but has now stopped. 

Activity idea: For a hands-on exploration, give pupils toy wind turbines or small solar panels to see how sunlight or wind can generate power to light up a bulb. Show them a photo of large wind turbines or solar panels on a house and ask them to think back to the picture of the coal plant. What differences can they see? 

4. Create a simulation  

Link the Ratcliffe plant closure directly to an in-class simulation about reducing emissions. This can illustrate how phasing out coal helps protect the environment by lowering carbon emissions. For KS3 students, discuss how carbon dioxide contributes to climate change and how switching off coal power stations is a crucial step in reducing this. 

Activity idea: Compare coal power with renewable energy by using two jars: one labeled ‘Coal’ and the other ‘Renewable Energy.’ Use marbles, lego bricks or scrap materials to represent pollution. Discuss all the activities we do which create pollution and add your material to the ‘coal’ jar, reminding the pupils that this build up happens over many decades. Your pupils will see how coal power causes the jar to ‘fill up’ with ‘pollution’, while the ‘Renewable Energy’ jar stays empty to show that clean energy sources like wind and solar don’t create pollution. Link this to the Ratcliffe plant by removing the ‘pollution’ from the coal jar, illustrating how transitioning to renewable energy reduces environmental harm. The gradually emptying jar illustrates the UK’s energy transition in a clear and visually appealing way. 

5. Build a wind turbine model (KS2, KS3) 

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the UK, and building a model helps students understand how wind can be harnessed to generate electricity. 

Activity idea: Provide materials like paper, cardboard or plastic to create a simple wind turbine model. Let students test their designs using a fan to see how effectively their turbines can ‘generate’ electricity. This activity ties into the physics of forces and motion while introducing practical engineering concepts. 

6. Reflect on the UK’s energy transition (KS3) 

For KS3 students, reflect on the historical significance of the UK’s transition from coal to renewable energy. Discuss the Ratcliffe plant’s closure as a symbol of how far energy policy has shifted in recent decades, and what this means for the future. This can also be tied to discussions around jobs, the economy and sustainable development. 

Activity idea: Have students research the timeline of energy use in the UK, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. They can create a presentation or timeline illustrating key moments in energy history, including the rise and fall of coal and the growth of renewable energy. 

Helpful summary for teachers: 

The closure of Britain’s last coal power plant provides an opportunity to teach students about the importance of renewable energy in a real-world context. Using activities like comparing energy sources, building models and reflecting on energy history helps students grasp these concepts in an engaging and accessible way. Tying these lessons to everyday science and energy use encourages students to think about how their own choices can contribute to a more sustainable future.