Fossil fuels
Coal, oil and gas: how they formed, what we use them for, and why we should use less. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
How they formed
Miners sometimes find prints of ancient leaves in coal: proof that it comes from plants. Crude oil and natural gas lie deep underground or below the sea floor.
What do we use them for?
| Fuel | Use |
|---|---|
| Coal (from a mine) | Power stations, factories |
| Petrol | Cars |
| Diesel | Trucks and tractors |
| Paraffin | Lamps and stoves |
Use less
- They run out and pollute: use less.
- Walk or share a lift.
- Solar and wind power are clean and do not run out.
Fossil fuel: fossil means ancient remains in the ground.
Remember this and test yourself
- Fossil fuels come from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
- Coal is from ancient plants; crude oil is from tiny sea creatures.
- Petrol, diesel and paraffin are made from crude oil at a refinery.
- They are non-renewable: they run out.
- When they burn they release smoke and carbon dioxide and pollute the air.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Fossil = very old. Old plants → coal, old sea creatures → oil. Old, buried and one day gone.
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Fossil fuels- Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.