Energy Types and Transformations Explored

Energy Types and Transformations Explored

Grade 7 Science Discovering Energy in Our World Hands-on Exploration and Experiments

What is Energy?

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change Energy exists in many different forms Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed Energy is all around us in everything we do

Five Types of Energy We'll Explore

{"left":"Kinetic Energy - energy of motion\nPotential Energy - stored energy\nThermal Energy - heat energy","right":"Chemical Energy - energy stored in substances\nLight Energy - energy from electromagnetic radiation"}

Energy Transformation Stations

Station 1: Pendulum - Potential to Kinetic Station 2: Rubber Band Car - Elastic to Kinetic Station 3: Hand Warmer - Chemical to Thermal Station 4: Solar Calculator - Light to Electrical Work in groups of 3-4 students 15 minutes per station Record observations in your lab notebook

Energy Transformation Challenge

Think about riding a bicycle down a hill What energy transformations occur? Start: You at the top of the hill End: You moving fast at the bottom Discuss with your partner and be ready to share!

Energy Transformation Examples

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed Energy can only change from one form to another The total amount of energy stays the same Some energy often becomes heat during transformations

Group Presentations: Energy Detectives

Each group presents one energy transformation from today Explain the starting energy type Describe what happened during the transformation Identify the ending energy type(s) Use your lab observations as evidence 2-3 minutes per group presentation