International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Teaching Biomass Energy in Secondary School Chemistry: A Stimulus for Achieving Sustainable Energy
N. M. Eya, Attah F. O. & Umate, B. A.
Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Abstract: The continuous increase of energy consumption has generally improved the standard of living but it has also caused serious environmental problems. . There is therefore the need for sustainable energy sources. Sustainable energy involves increasing production of renewable energy, making safe energy universally available, and energy conservation. Sustainable energy is of great importance in Nigeria considering the broad and growing nature of energy use. Burning of fossil fuels to generate energy has resulted to many negative environmental problems on the climate, natural environment and the society at large. There is the need o change to other renewable and environmental free sources of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source used to reduce our overdependence on fossil fuels and to help reduce air pollution. Secondary school chemistry students need to be taught about this biomass and biomass energy at the early stage of their educational pursuit even as they are the future scientists. When the students are best informed about these concepts at the early stage of their education and they develop interest in learning them, they will be in a better position to enhance their utilization as good sources of renewable energy in future as they are the hope of the nation as future scientists The paper therefore examined the concept of biomass and biomass energy, conversion of biomass to energy, advantages of biomass energy over fossil fuels and the implication of teaching biomass and biomass energy to secondary school chemistry students.
Keywords: Biomass, Sustainable, Energy, Chemistry & Teaching
I.INTRODUCTION
Energy is sustainable if it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable energy is a form of energy that can be utilized again and again without putting the source in danger of being depleted (Mark &Aida,2022) Sustainable energy is a significant and focal aspect of sustainability and an important consideration for human development. Developing new energy sources to produce reliable, affordable, energy while respecting the environment is one of today’s most compelling needs. Of late, much attention is being focused on identifying suitable alternative and renewable energy sources, which can provide high-energy outputs, to replace conventional fossil fuel energy sources (Ogwo, Dike, Mathew,& Emmanuel,,2012). The authors also stated that the total energy stored in terrestrial biomass is not only enormous but is also highly available and renewable and that if biomass is properly harnessed, it can form a substantial part of future