Energy & Society – JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

Energy is a key factor in national development. Society needs energy mainly for mechanical work, heat supply and heat removal (cooling). Electrical energy is needed for many daily and industrial activities, and it can be produced from falling water (hydroelectricity) or from solar energy. Poor management of energy resources may keep a nation underdeveloped.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the three main societal needs of energy;
• explain why the management of energy resources matters for national development;
• describe how hydroelectricity is generated;
• list uses of solar energy.

Why does society need energy?

Energy is a key factor in national development. For instance, electrical energy is needed to perform many daily and industrial activities. Poor management of energy resources in a nation may cause it to remain underdeveloped.

The three main societal needs of energy

1. Mechanical work
2. Heat supply
3. Heat removal (cooling system)

How is electricity produced from hydroelectricity?

In generating hydroelectricity, the kinetic energy of falling water from the top of a dam causes the turbines to turn. This movement drives the generators, leading to the production of electrical energy.

What are the uses of solar energy?

Solar energy can be used for the following:

• Heating
• Drying clothes
• Warming water
• Drying farm products
• Generating electrical energy

Evaluation

1. What is solar energy?
2. State three (3) things you can do with solar energy.

Assignment

1. List the three main societal needs of energy.
2. Explain how hydroelectricity is generated.