Lesson Overview
Lesson Material
Hello Educators! Check out the lesson overview for our 8th Grade Learning Power in-class field trip on transformation of energy. Interested in us coming to your classroom? Schedule a visit today!
Georgia Standards of Excellence
Lesson Focus: Discuss potential and kinetic energy and the Law of Conservation of Energy. Demonstrate electromagnetism, and investigate renewable/non-renewable resources that are used to generate electricity.
S8P2. Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments that energy can transform from one form to another within a system.
- b. Plan and carry out an investigation to explain the transformation between kinetic and potential energy within a system (e.g., roller coasters, pendulums, rubber bands, etc.).
- c. Construct an argument to support a claim about the type of energy transformations within a system [e.g., lighting a match (light to heat), turning on a light (electrical to light)].
Key Concepts:
- Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
- Energy Sources
- Law of Conservation of Energy
- Energy Transformation
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Energy Efficiency
- Careers in Energy
Class Activities
Lesson Objectives
- Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy.
- Understand that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
- Explain energy transformation and how energy sources are used to generate electricity.
- Relate electromagnetism to the role of a generator.
Part 1: Lineman Lanyards (hands-on)
Purpose of Activity:
- Review what is potential and kinetic energy and how they are related
- Learn about careers within our company
- Relate tools used in energy careers to energy transformations
Part 2: Energy Transformation Worksheet
Transformation Discovery Stations:
Boiling Over, Don’t Make a Sound, Back where we Started, Spilling Over, Get Back Here, Light at the End of the Tunnel, Warming Up
Purpose of Activity:
- Review various types of kinetic and potential energies
- Investigate how energy can be transferred between kinetic and potential using items they have encountered within their homes and schools
- Assess interest in GA power careers
Part 3: How Electricity is Made Video
Purpose of Activity:
- Learn how energy transformation is related to the generation of electricity
- Review renewable and Non-renewable resources
- Learn various energy efficiency tips that can be used by students at home
- Determine commitment to become more energy efficient
Part 4: Generation Machines (hands-on)
Materials:
- Energy Transformation Worksheet
Purpose of Activity:
- Using newly acquired knowledge, create an argument that describes transformations of a tangible model energy
- Learn how to be more sustainable and energy efficient in the future
Part 5: Energy Efficiency
Essential Questions:
- How can you be more energy efficient at home?
- How can you be more energy efficient at school?
Purpose of Activity:
- Assess student increase in knowledge of energy efficiency
Part 6: Careers
Materials:
- Video clip: Power Up Your Career
- Learning Power website
Purpose of Activity:
Highlight careers in the electric industry. Show students career resources accessible to them via the Learning Power website.