Activity Overview
Energy is conserved, meaning that energy cannot be created or destroyed through energy transfers. However, the type of energy may be changed during the transfer. In this activity, students will create energy transfer diagrams for three types of energy input using a chart layout. They will identify the energy input and also both the useful and wasted energies.
For students that need some more support with energy transfers, just have them identify the input energy and the useful output energy. As an extension, stretch your more advanced students by getting them to research values for input and output energies and create a Sankey diagram in another column.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Show energy transfers for a range of real world situations. Remember energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one type to another.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose three examples of energy input.
- Write what form of energy the energy input is in the left column.
- Use an image or photo to represent the example processes.
- Write what form the useful and wasted energy forms are in the right column.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input energy | All the input energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the input energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the input energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Useful Energy Output | All the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. | Some of the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Wasted Energy Output | All the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. | Some of the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Processes | All the processes have a correct and clear visualization. | Most of the processes have a correct and clear visualization. | Some of the processes have a correct and clear visualization. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Energy is conserved, meaning that energy cannot be created or destroyed through energy transfers. However, the type of energy may be changed during the transfer. In this activity, students will create energy transfer diagrams for three types of energy input using a chart layout. They will identify the energy input and also both the useful and wasted energies.
For students that need some more support with energy transfers, just have them identify the input energy and the useful output energy. As an extension, stretch your more advanced students by getting them to research values for input and output energies and create a Sankey diagram in another column.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Show energy transfers for a range of real world situations. Remember energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one type to another.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose three examples of energy input.
- Write what form of energy the energy input is in the left column.
- Use an image or photo to represent the example processes.
- Write what form the useful and wasted energy forms are in the right column.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input energy | All the input energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the input energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the input energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Useful Energy Output | All the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. | Some of the useful output energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Wasted Energy Output | All the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. | Most of the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. | Some of the wasted output energy forms are correctly identified. |
| Processes | All the processes have a correct and clear visualization. | Most of the processes have a correct and clear visualization. | Some of the processes have a correct and clear visualization. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Understanding Energy Transfers
Engage Your Class with a Hands-On Energy Transfer Demonstration
Get students excited about energy transfers by performing a simple, visual demonstration in your classroom. Demonstrations help students see abstract concepts in action and make learning memorable.
Gather everyday materials for the demo
Choose common objects like a flashlight, a wind-up toy, or a bouncing ball. Accessible materials ensure every student can relate to the demonstration and understand energy in real life.
Show the energy transfer in action
Operate the chosen object and ask students to observe what happens. Direct observation helps students connect actions (like turning on a flashlight) to energy changes.
Guide students to identify input and output energies
Prompt students to name the starting energy (e.g., battery chemical energy) and ending energies (e.g., light and heat). Discussion builds understanding of useful versus wasted energy.
Encourage students to create and share their own demonstrations
Invite students to bring in objects or design simple demos at home. Sharing promotes collaboration and helps reinforce energy transfer concepts among peers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Understanding Energy Transfers
What is an energy transfer in simple terms?
Energy transfer is when energy moves from one object or form to another, like when a battery powers a flashlight. The type of energy may change, but the total amount stays the same.
How can I teach energy transfers to elementary students easily?
Use real-world examples, simple diagrams, and hands-on activities like making energy transfer charts or Sankey diagrams. Focus on identifying input, useful, and wasted energy forms to make concepts clear for students.
What are some real-life examples of energy transfers for kids?
Common examples include a toaster (electrical to thermal), a bicycle (chemical to kinetic), and a light bulb (electrical to light and heat). These help students see how energy changes form in everyday life.
Why is energy conservation important in energy transfers?
Energy conservation means that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only changes form. Understanding this helps students see why energy seems to 'disappear' but is actually just changing into useful or wasted forms.
What is the difference between useful and wasted energy?
Useful energy is the part that does what you want (like light from a lamp), while wasted energy is energy lost in other forms (like heat from the lamp). Diagrams help students spot the difference in real situations.
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