Exciting Energy: Curriculum Module

Exciting Energy

compiled by Bernadette Pate Holt

Summary:

This unit is designed to introduce students to differing types of energy sources and their application in daily life.

Connection to the curriculum:

This module will integrate science, math, language arts, and technology.

Time:

This module will take about one week to complete.

Season:

This module may be taught during any season, however, it may be more effective in warmer months.

Materials:

See individual activities.

Objectives:

As a result of these activities, the student will:

* Be able to construct and explain simple circuits.

* Classify items as conductors and insulators.

* Explore the use of solar energy as an alternative to electricity.

* Assess the potential usefulness of chemical reactions as a source of

energy.

Background Information:

There are several key factors to our existence; air, water, food, and shelter. Of these, air is the only one that does not require some type of energy to produce for use in our daily lives. Water must go through a treatment system to be used in our home, food is produced through photosynthesis and the use of farm equipment, and shelter is created through the use of tools that require some form of energy.

There are two sources of energy:

1. Non-renewable sources

fossil fuels

nuclear energy

2. Renewable sources

solar

wind

hydroelectric

geothermal

wood and other biomass

The quality of these energy sources are as follows:

Very high: nuclear

High: natural gas, petroleum, coal

Moderate: wood

Low: wind, solar

While the United States accounts for only 6% of the world’s population, it consumes 30% of all non-renewable energy resources.

Evaluation:

Classification of power sources a Non-renewable and Renewable.

Completion of simple circuits and their diagrams.

Accurate descriptions of conductors and insulators.

Graphs of the roasting times of different colored marshmallows.

Resources:

Conservation and Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service (CAR-EIRS) has publications about energy efficiency at home, including renewable energy sources. Contact them at Box 8900, Silver Springs, MD 20907; tel. (800) 523-2929.

Gardner, Robert (1987). Energy Projects for Young Scientists. Franklin Watts, NY. ISBN 0-531-15129-8.

Parker, Steve. Mechanics: The Marshall Cavendish Science Project Book of Mechanics. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corp., 1986. Demonstrate energy transfer by making Newton’s cradle, pp. 16-17.

Thomas Alva Edison Foundation, 1988. The Thomas Edison book of Easy and Incredible Experiments. John Wiley & Sons, NY. ISBN 0-471-62089-0. Great book of experiments and background information from batteries to nuclear power to alternative energy sources. Lists several additional publications for reference.

U.S. Department of Energy. "Science Activities in Energy." Available from Technical Information Center, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

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