Using thinking maps to understand energy conversions

 

 The first thing that we did as a class was to determine which objects could be sources of energy (potential energy) and which were energy actions (kinetic energy). On the Promethean board the students showed how the sources of energy converted energy into an action, such as light, muscle movement, or heat.

Next, the students worked in partners to organize their thinking by showing the flow of energy and conversions using several different types of sources and actions.

 Finally, using the thinking map that utilizes analogies the students worked independently to show the connections between the energy sources and the energy actions.

Bridge Map

bridgemapWe can use a bridge map to show analogies in science. For this bridge map we can see the stored sources of energy and how they are converted. 

February 1, 2011 Science

Today in class we learned about the transfer of energy. We explored the idea that there are two types of energy that we are familiar with. The first is stored energy, like batteries and food that we eat. The second kind of energy, is energy that we use as it is generated. To use this kind of energy we plug into a socket. The energy that we get immediately is created through an energy transfer process. Fossil fuels are burned to create steam, which spins a turbine that spins a magnet. We are going to learn more about motors and how they work in the coming weeks.

Copy and paste the link below to visit a fun website about energy.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/games.html