BACKGROUND:
Energy is a difficult concept for
students to understand. The term is used in advertisement that are
selling candy to shoes. It has several meanings depending on the context
of the conversation. The term "energy" is used in a general
way in American society. It sometimes refers to a specific energy such
as solar energy (work created by the Sun) or can be expressed as a
generality (you are full of energy).
Energy is the ability to do work,
from a scientist’s point of view. It can turn on a light or
television. It can melt ice or make ice. It can make a car move. Energy
is not something you can pick up and hold.
PROCEDURE:
- This activity acts as a review of
many different forms of energy. Review the use of different fuels to
create energy. Moving water can be used to create hydroelectric. Dams
and reservoirs are created for this purpose. Nuclear material such as
plutonium and uranium are used to generate electricity in nuclear power
plants. The Sun's light can be converted into heat or electrical energy.
Wind can move windmills which is converted to electrical energy.
- As a homework assignment, ask
students to look through magazines and find pictures of different forms
of energy such as a windmill, solar calculator, nuclear plant, or other
items you have discussed.
-
In class classify the different
types of energy that they have found. Group them into electrical, solar,
petroleum, coal, wind, hydroelectric, or nuclear. Paste them on a
collage and put it outside the classroom for other students in the
school to see.
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