Section 1
Ancient Organisms Transform Into Valuable Fossils
Fossils are preserved remains of ancient organisms found in sedimentary rock. Scientists study fossils to learn about extinct species and determine how environments have changed over time.
In this Grade 5 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 4, students learn how ancient organisms formed fossils and fossil fuels such as bituminous coal and anthracite, and explore key concepts including relative age, absolute age, and geologic eras. Students also compare nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels with renewable and alternative energy sources, understanding why conservation through reducing, reusing, and recycling matters. A hands-on windmill inquiry activity connects these ideas by demonstrating how wind energy can be captured and used to do work.
Section 1
Ancient Organisms Transform Into Valuable Fossils
Fossils are preserved remains of ancient organisms found in sedimentary rock. Scientists study fossils to learn about extinct species and determine how environments have changed over time.
Section 2
Earth Stores Solar Energy As Fossil Fuels
Ancient plants and organisms captured sunlight energy millions of years ago. Under pressure, their remains transformed into coal, oil, and natural gas that we extract and burn for energy today.
Section 3
Alternative Sources Generate Renewable Energy
Wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy provide renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Unlike limited coal and oil, these sources can continuously produce energy without depletion.
Section 4
Scientists Determine Rock Ages Through Special Methods
Geologists establish relative age by analyzing rock layers and absolute age by measuring radioactive elements with predictable half-lives. These techniques help organize Earth's history into eras spanning millions of years.
Section 5
People Conserve Resources Through Daily Actions
Individuals reduce energy consumption by turning off lights, using efficient transportation, taking shorter showers, and properly insulating homes. These actions extend the life of nonrenewable resources.
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Section 1
Ancient Organisms Transform Into Valuable Fossils
Fossils are preserved remains of ancient organisms found in sedimentary rock. Scientists study fossils to learn about extinct species and determine how environments have changed over time.
Section 2
Earth Stores Solar Energy As Fossil Fuels
Ancient plants and organisms captured sunlight energy millions of years ago. Under pressure, their remains transformed into coal, oil, and natural gas that we extract and burn for energy today.
Section 3
Alternative Sources Generate Renewable Energy
Wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy provide renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Unlike limited coal and oil, these sources can continuously produce energy without depletion.
Section 4
Scientists Determine Rock Ages Through Special Methods
Geologists establish relative age by analyzing rock layers and absolute age by measuring radioactive elements with predictable half-lives. These techniques help organize Earth's history into eras spanning millions of years.
Section 5
People Conserve Resources Through Daily Actions
Individuals reduce energy consumption by turning off lights, using efficient transportation, taking shorter showers, and properly insulating homes. These actions extend the life of nonrenewable resources.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter