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!
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: How is Electricity Made?
Materials:
- Video clip: Generation Electricity
- Student handout (Multiple Choice)
Purpose of Activity:
Introduce the concept of electromagnetic induction and how it is key in electrical generation.
Part 2: Simple Generator
Materials:
- Generator
- Student handout
Purpose of Activity:
Demonstrate energy transformation. Recognize the relationship between magnetism and electricity. Identify the rotor and stator as parts of a simple generator.
Part 3: Electrical Generation and Fuel Source
Materials:
- Video clip: How Georgia Power Generates Electricity
- Student handout (Word Scramble)
Purpose of Activity:
Introduce common sources of fuel for electrical generation. Show how a power plant transforms potential and kinetic energy sources (fuel) into electrical energy that we use daily.
Part 4: Transformation of Energy and Energy Efficiency
Materials:
- Student handout (Concept Map)
- Learning Map (Generation Poster)
- Human power generator
Purpose of Activity:
Describe the transformation of energy and recognize the many steps required to generate electricity. Discuss energy efficiency as it relates to light bulbs – physically feel the energy required to energize an incandescent vs. a LED bulb.
Part 5: Careers in Energy
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.