Fossil Fuels Use Lab – Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources, Worksheets

Engage your students in a thought-provoking, hands-on lab that tackles the essential question: “Will fossil fuels run out in the near future?”

In this lab, students dive into the science behind fossil fuels by exploring how they form, how they are used, and what long-term consumption trends reveal about global energy sustainability. Through real-world datasets and graphing activities, students analyze U.S. and worldwide energy patterns to determine whether fossil fuel use is truly reaching a peak or continuing to grow. This activity pushes students to move beyond memorization and into evidence-based reasoning using authentic data.

Why Teachers Love This Lab:

• Real-World Connections – Students analyze authentic data sets on fossil fuel reserves, production, consumption, and pricing at both national and global scales.
• Hands-On Data Analysis – Students create and interpret graphs to identify trends, patterns, and potential “peak” points in fossil fuel use.
• Critical Thinking & STEM Skills – Strengthens data interpretation, graphing accuracy, and scientific reasoning while connecting to environmental issues.
• Versatile & Adaptable – Designed for both middle and high school science classrooms with flexible implementation options.

What’s Included?

• Student Lab – A structured, inquiry-based activity guiding students through fossil fuel formation, data analysis, graphing, and sustainability-focused critical thinking questions.
• Instructor Answer Key – Includes clear, detailed answers and explanations to support instruction, facilitate discussion, and guide student understanding.
• Teacher Guide – A comprehensive instructional resource with NGSS alignment, teaching notes, common misconceptions, differentiation strategies, and extension ideas to make implementation seamless.

Inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental thinkers! This lab challenges students to critically evaluate the future of energy and understand the role data plays in solving real-world environmental problems.