Energy’s Transforming Power
Driving or Multi-dimensional Question:
How can stored energy be converted into another form for practical use? What energy is undergoing transformations? What energy is being transferred/conserved? What evidence is there that the energy is being conserved in this system?
Unit Summary:
According to the Cross Cutting Concept for Energy and Matter, students will begin to recognize types of energy present in a system and understand how this energy can transfer between objects. Based on several days of lessons and Science and Engineering Practices, the students will create an evidence-based explanation for the relationships seen in the natural world and be able to identify evidence that supports other explanations. Explanations will be derived from the activities practiced in the course of the lessons as well as the culminating event regarding the student projects and presentations.
Hook Event:
Culminating Event:
Standards
Science Standards:
4.PS3.3 Describe how stored energy can be converted into another form for practical use.
Math Standards:
ELA and Other Standards:
4.FL.SC.6 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking and conventions of standard English grammar and usage, including capitalization and punctuation when writing.
Daily Activities
For more information on this lesson please see the Lesson Resources below
| Activity | Description | Resources and Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Activity One | Ping Pong Shooters: Students will create their own ping pong ball shooters to demonstrate the conversion of energy. | Ping Pong Shooter Video: Ping Pong Shooter Materials: |
| Activity Two | Holiday Light Circuit: Students will create a circuit that will successfully light up a light bulb from a string of Christmas lights. | Article: Materials: For More Details: To Extend Learning, Consider Purchasing: |
| Activity Three | Wind-Powered LED: Students will create and test a wind turbine to perform for practical use. The practical use will be tested through the lifting of washers. | Materials Needed/Class: Materials Needed/Team: Windmill Blade Testing Device Materials: Materials That May Be Used for Making Turbines: Potential Field Trip Opportunity: |
| Activity Four | How Heat Works: S’more About Thermal Energy: | Energy Resources Videos: Materials—How Heat Works: Book: Materials—S’more About Thermal Energy: |
| Activity Five | Sun Tea: Students will help make Sun Tea to see how the sun’s energy can be transformed for practical use. | Energy Resources Videos: Materials: |
| Assessment | Comic Strip: | Students should use their experiences learned through the activities to influence their comic strip.* *See sample rubric. |
Technology Integration:
| Business Partner | Contribution to Learning Experience | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Local Electrician | Speak to students about how we use stored energy on a daily basis. | |
| Pizza Restaurant | Donate cardboard boxes for the oven. | |
| Contractor | Speak to students about how people are using different forms of energy to build their homes. |
Capstone Presentation:
Students will work towards a project that meets the disciplinary core idea for this PBL lesson. Students will work independently to formulate a comic strip with illustrations and words that show their understanding of how stored energy can be converted into another form for more practical use. Students will be assessed using a rubric.