Intended for P6+7 classes, related to the Renfrewshire guidelines for Science. P6- Unit 2, Lesson 1 and 2. Pr7- Unit 3, lessons 3 and 4.

Attainment Outcome: Earth and Space
Strand: Changing Materials

Learning Outcomes

To know how fossil fuels were formed
To examine the historical development of coal, oil and gas
To explore burning in the safe environment of the laboratory.
The Discovery Session

During the 40-minute discovery session, demonstrators will enable children to handle different fuels and examine samples beneath the microscope to reveal fossils and other clues to their biological origins. Comparisons will be drawn between fuels that are hundreds of millions of years old ( coal, oilshale), a few thousand years old (peat), a few decades old ( wood) and a few days old (methane from the bio-digester). The conclusion will be reached that all of the energy contained in these fuels was originally captured from sunlight by plant photosynthesis.

In the safety of a fume cupboard, samples of gas, liquid and solid fuels will be burned and their characteristics noted. Discussion will focus on how the release of the energy from these fuels might be controlled (e.g. in engines or boilers). Children will have the opportunity to light and handle paraffin lamps: an example of machine for controlling the output of heat and light energy from a liquid fuel.

Associated resources

Before or after the discovery session, children can explore museum displays that contain sections on mineral wealth and the Scottish shale oil industry. The museum and farm also contain many examples of machinery, vehicles and equipment that convert fossil fuels into useful work (see the energy trail)

Background Information

The central belt of Scotland was once rich in minerals. In West Lothian both coal and oilshale were mined. Reserves of these fossil fuels are now virtually exhausted and their mining has left a legacy of environmental damage. Most of our energy needs are now met by fossil fuels from the North Sea and other parts of the world, but these reserves are finite. In the future alternative sources of energy will be required and people will have to be more conscious of the need for energy conservation.