Module 3: Forms of Energy
Module 3 Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to…
- Classify forms of energy
- Describe the law of conservation of energy
Introduction
In this module, we’ll brainstorm and analyze the many ways humans use energy and review some basic energy science. Participants will classify the forms of energy as either kinetic or potential and explore the law of conservation of energy.
Energy is a rich and complex concept addressed in a variety of academic and professional fields, such as science, social studies, and economics. While the word “energy” is used in everyday vernacular to describe mood, sports drinks, electricity, and so on, energy is generally defined in the sciences as the ability of a system to do work or cause change. For example, energy is required to move, generate light, or perform any other action.
Readings
The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. However, energy can be changed, or transformed, into different forms, and energy can be transferred from one object to another. For example, the gasoline put into a car is a form of chemical energy. While it may seem like energy is disappearing because the gasoline eventually runs out, in fact, this chemical energy is simply being changed into heat energy and motion energy. There are many additional forms of energy, such as light, sound, and nuclear energy. Not all of these forms of energy are easily observable, which can make the law of conservation of energy difficult to observe and learn.
- READ: US Energy Information Administration’s Energy Explained: Forms of Energy
Videos
Module 3: Forms of Energy (4:18)
Energy Literacy Principle #1 (6:22):
One fun way to help students observe how energy is transferred and transformed is by using domino chains and Rube Goldberg machines. The term “Rube Goldberg machine” refers to a complicated, humorous contraption made of everyday items placed in sequence to do a very simple task. These machines are named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Reuben (Rube) Goldberg, whose cartoons depicting overly complicated “inventions” gained great popularity in the early and mid-20th century. These modern-day Rube Goldberg machines can help students better understand energy transfer and transformation and are a great way to introduce systems (a collection of many interconnected parts that work together; in a system, changing one part affects other parts).
Watch: Honda Commercial with Rube Goldberg
Watch: Joseph Herscher on Sesame Street
Watch: OK Go—This Too Shall Pass:
Content Exploration
Examine the energy flash cards below and decide which forms of energy are either kinetic or potential.
Additional Resources
- READ: Fueling Our Future – Lesson 1 (HS pages 10 – 23; MS pages 10 – 22; ES pages 10 – 25)
- Energy Kids