We Explore Energy!
13-16 years
5h + pre- and post-work
3802
Understanding the concept of energy can help learners better explain the world around them. In the We Explore Energy! module, learners convert and conserve energy through a series of scientific activities. They get balls to move, weights to fall, and vehicles to travel distances. This module provides the opportunity for an energised learning experience in the Newton Room.
We Explore Energy! makes the concept of energy tangible for learners through the exploration of various energy transformations and transfers. The learners work together to conduct three practical, hands-on activities and witness two central principles of energy first hand. Specifically, the learners discover that:
- Energy cannot be created, nor can it be destroyed. Energy is always conserved.
- Energy becomes increasingly less available in a given system, as it is gradually transferred out. Energy is converted to heat energy and lost to the surroundings.
The principles of energy are explored in three activities during the module.
Activity 1: The Ball Moves! - The learners explore the transitions between potential energy and kinetic energy on a track they construct themselves. The learners will optimize the track to conserve as much energy as possible.
Activity 2: The Weight Falls! - The learners examine how the energy from a falling weight is transformed to electrical energy using a generator. The learners collect data using data loggers and analyse their results. The activity touches on the theme of energy efficiency.
Activity 3: The Vehicle Moves! - The learners use the ball track and what they have learned from the first two activities to compete against one another to get their self-designed vehicles to travel as far as possible.
During their visit to the Newton Room, the learners work in groups of three. These activities require plenty of floor space.
The pre- and post-work activities included in this module are aimed at familiarising learners with scientific concepts related to energy and empowering them to use these terms in practice.
