Year 9 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 15
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Find the mistake
A student wrote this answer
"The energy transition is simple: we just replace coal and oil with solar panels and wind turbines, and the problem is solved. Once we stop burning fossil fuels, we won't need crude oil anymore. Countries like Australia that export coal just need to start exporting solar panels instead, and everything will work out."
1. Identify at least THREE specific errors or oversimplifications in the student's answer. List each one clearly.
2. Write a corrected version of the student's answer. Use chemical terminology to explain why replacing hydrocarbon feedstocks for materials (not just fuels) is an additional and distinct challenge in the energy transition.
3. Explain why this type of mistake (thinking fuel replacement = complete fossil fuel independence) is easy to make. What scientific concept does it overlook?
1. Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and LNG. Using your knowledge of hydrocarbon combustion, feedstock dependence, and the energy transition, evaluate whether Australia's continued LNG exports are compatible with global climate goals. Construct a nuanced argument, consider both sides before reaching a conclusion.
2. Bio-based plastics (made from plant sugars using synthetic biology) and green hydrogen (from solar-powered electrolysis) are both proposed as alternatives to fossil hydrocarbons. Compare these two alternatives: which aspect of fossil fuel dependence does each address, and what is one significant limitation of each approach that prevents it from fully solving the problem right now?
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?