A-Level Economics Theme 1

• This presentation covers A-Level Economics Theme 1.
• Contact Teachonomics via email at [email protected].
• Find Teachonomics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and communication.
• Michael Wilson is the creator of these resources.
• Wilson started teaching full-time in 2013.
• Wilson was Head of Economics and Business and became a Professional Tutor in 2016.
• The resources are designed for Edexcel A-Level Economics and GCSE Business.

Starter Activity

• List four resources that go into producing a muffin, a smartphone, and a cup of coffee.

Indium

• Indium, an element used in touchscreen devices, has increased deforestation due to smartphone popularity.

Learning Objectives

• Define "renewable" and "non-renewable" resources.
• Understand the meaning of sustainable resources.
• Analyse how opportunity cost impacts decision-making.

Specification

• The economic problem includes understanding the distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources (1.1.3 b).

Renewable and Finite Resources

• Renewable resources are commodities like solar energy, oxygen, biomass, fish stocks, or forestry.
• Renewable resources are inexhaustible or replaceable, as long as extraction rates are lower than renewal rates.
• Finite or Non-renewable resources cannot be renewed, like plastics, crude oil, coal, natural gas, and other items produced from fossil fuels.

Sustainability

• Experts predict that half the world's population will be affected by water shortages in 20 years.
• Freshwater use increased ninefold during the 20th century.
• The global demand may require two planets by 2050 if resource consumption continues at the current rate.
• Resources are consumed faster than the planet's ability to replenish them.
• Sustainable development involves meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
• Sustainable development means each generation should pass on at least as much “capital” as it inherits, including 'environmental' capital.

Activities

• Read the 'economic problem NOTES' document and answer the questions on the 'renewable resources worksheet'.

Using the Resources

• Each topic has a main worksheet, with the PowerPoint slides providing the answers.
• Specification-focused notes expand upon PowerPoint slide information.
• Articles link to news items with questions for application.
• Video activities require Google account login for access.

Terms of Use

• Original content by Michael Wilson trading as Teachonomics Ltd.
• Copyright and licensing details for other material can be found at the end of the presentation.