Energy and the John Muir Way
We need energy for lots of things at home, at school and when we're out and about. How that energy is generated and supplied can have a big impact on the environment.
In this article you can learn about:
- the John Muir Way
- different kinds of energy
- the impact on the environment of different energy sources
This article is suitable for learning about People, Place and Environment topics in primary school.
Video - Energy and the John Muir Way
Join Isla and Connor as they learn about different ways energy is generated, as they walk along the John Muir Way.
What is the John Muir Way?
Who was John Muir?
John Muir was born in Dunbar in 1838. His family left Scotland for America when he was ten years old.
He became famous for his writing about the natural world, studying rocks, plants and animals, and his work preserving and protecting areas of outstanding beauty, including Yosemite National Park in California.
The John Muir Way was opened in 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of his death.
Where does the John Muir Way start and end?
The John Muir Way runs between Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland, (the port where Muir left Scotland for America), and Dunbar on the east coast (where Muir was born).
The route is 134 miles (215 km) long, and is popular with walkers and cyclists.
Click through the slideshow below to find out about some of the interesting places you might visit along the John Muir Way.
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Sources of energy
Energy can be generated from many different sources. Some of these sources are less harmful to the environment than others.
There are two types of energy: renewable and non-renewable.
- Renewable energy sources include the sun, sea and wind.
These sources are not used up when we use them to generate energy. That means that they are renewable. Developing new technology like solar panels to heat homes encourages people to use more renewable energy and helps the environment.
- Non-renewable energy sources include coal, oil and gas.
These are burned to release the energy they contain, which also releases harmful gases into the air. Once fossil fuels are burned, they are used up. This makes them non-renewable. Most vehicles use non-renewable energy, and that is why they are harmful to the environment.
Here are some examples of both types of energy sources.
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Energy in Scotland
In Scotland, we no longer mine for coal. This was a huge change in industry in areas like Ayrshire, Fife and Lanarkshire that had many mining communities. Many people were left without work and had to retrain to find jobs in different industries.
Nuclear power production is also coming to an end. The only remaining operational station is Torness, in East Lothian, and that is due to stop generating electricity in 2028.
Even though people are concerned about climate change and damage to the seabed, oil and gas drilling in the North Sea continues to provide fuel for transport, heating and for generating electricity. However there are plans to reduce how much we use fossil fuels. Scotland has a target that by 2030, half of heat, transport and electricity use in Scotland will be from renewable Something that does not run out when used. energy sources.
Learn more about different types of energy here: Energy sources and sustainability
Key words about energy
Sorry, something went wrongCheck your connection, refresh the page and try again. - useable power, usually taken from other resources
Sorry, something went wrongCheck your connection, refresh the page and try again. - energy from a source that can be easily replaced or replenished, including wind and solar
Sorry, something went wrongCheck your connection, refresh the page and try again. - energy from sources that cannot be easily replaced or replenished after use, including oil and gas
Sorry, something went wrongCheck your connection, refresh the page and try again. - natural fuel such as coal and gas, made from compressed fossils
Sorry, something went wrongCheck your connection, refresh the page and try again. - an area of the countryside that is protected by law to look after the landscape and wildlife.
Test your knowledge
Quiz
Challenge
Design a poster to appear at key points along the John Muir Way to encourage visitors to take care of the environment.
Have a think about:
how to make it eye-catching (maybe a slogan, or an image)
what might persuade people to think more about the environment and make changes
how you can appeal to the people who use the John Muir Way to look after it.
Learn more about designing posters with 2nd level English and literacy: How to make a poster
Our landscape
Young people who live in communities along the John Muir Way worked with the LAB team at 大象传媒 Scotland to make short films about some of their local landmarks. Watch as they share information about their local community, in the past and the present day.
More to learn about energy and the John Muir Way
Energy and sustainability
Learn more about types of energy and sustainability with our topic
The John Muir Way audioThe John Muir Way
Listen to this episode of Scotland Outdoors where Mark and Euan walk the John Muir Way
Make your poster eye-catching by following these simple rules
More on Landscapes
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