Energy
Anchoring the Basic Concepts of Energy
Book 1
ANCHORING ENERGY
Pongo’s World with Joey, Nina, Nimbus, Snow and Duchess
What Is Energy?
A warm science adventure notebook about the invisible helper that makes things happen.
Book 1
AXIOMS Anchoring Series
ENERGY
03
Meet Pongo, your learning guide
Today we investigate energy: the invisible helper that makes things happen.
What you need
A notebook or science journal.
A pencil or pen.
A safe snack and a sunny or shady spot.
How to use this lesson
1. Read the instructions carefully.
2. Try investigations safely.
3. Record what you observe.
4. Explain using energy words.
Big question
Where do we find energy, and how does it make things happen?
I’ll guide each task. You write observations and evidence in your notebook.
04
Joey’s first thought about energy
Joey notices objects move and thinks energy make the objects move.
Joey
“I think energy makes my body move. When I eat breakfast, I can run, jump and keep playing.”
Joey’s first idea: Energy helps living things move.
What other ideas do you think are going through Joey’s head?
05
Nina’s first thought about energy
Nina looks for energy in objects that shine, warm up or make sounds.
Nina
“I think energy is what makes things light up, warm up and make sounds- like the Sun, a lamp or music.”
Nina’s first idea: energy can show up as light, heat and sound.
Why do you think Nina is correct?
06
Homie’s first thought about energy
Homie notices energy when he flaps and glides.
Homie
“I think energy is what lifts me into the air. My wings use energy to flap, glide and fly home.”
Homie’s First idea: energy helps wings fly and bodies move.
Is Homie correct?
07
Nimbus’s first thought about energy
Nimbus thinks that energy makes him run.
Nimbus
“Energy is in my paws! When I have energy, I can sprint, chase and wag my tail fast.”
Nimbus first idea: energy makes fast movement possible.
Is Nimbus correct? Why?
08
Snow’s first thought about energy
Snow notices quiet energy makes her warm.
Snow
“I think energy in the sun warms my fur, and helps my body feel ready to run later.”
Snow’s First idea: Energy can warm things and be stored for later.
Is Snow correct? Why?
09
Duchess’s first thought about energy
Duchess thinks energy is what makes it possible for her to pounce.
Duchess
“Energy is what lets me pounce!”
Duchess First idea: energy can be saved and then used for movement.
Is Duchess correct? Why
10
What is energy to you?
Now add your own first thought before we test and improve our ideas.
What do you think energy is?
Draw or write one example from your day.
My first energy idea
Student thinking space: there is no perfect answer yet — start with what you notice.
14
How do you know energy exists?
You cannot hold energy in your hand, but you can notice clues or observations.
1. Movement
When an object changes position.
2. Temperature increase
When an object feels warmer.
3. Illuminates
When an object gives light.
4. Sound
When an object vibrates and makes noise.
Notebook work
Write one example for each clue: move, warm, shine, sound.
Energy clues
22A
Step 1 — Notice changes
Activity
List 3 energy clues that you can see in the photo.
1
2
3
Prompt: What changed position, temperature, light or sound?
Energy clues
22B
Step 2 — Choose one evidence for existence of energy
Pick the strongest clue from your list.
Which evidence is the strongest to prove energy exists?
motion / movement
light
warmth / heat
sound
I chose:
“I know energy exists because __________________________________ ______.”
Energy clues
22C
Step 3 — Explain your point of view
Use one clear sentence.
Sentence frame
Energy is present because __________________________________.
Then add another clue to make your point better:
Use one clue word: movement, warmth, light or sound.
Energy clues
22D
Step 4 — Connect your observations to the conservation of energy concept
“Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can only transform from one form of energy to another.”
Draw one energy path
Source of energy
Transformation
Source: ________
Transformation: ________
Now go to the answer page and write your best transformations.
Energy from ___________________________ transforms into ____________________________________.
Energy clues
19
Treasure hunt: Duchess spots energy changes
Look for light, sound, motion and warmth in one living-room scene.
Duchess is watching the clues.
Photo treasure hunt: observe first, explain second.
Energy clues
20
Your turn: name the transformations
How many energy changes did you find in Duchess’s living room?
The Teddy Bear Challenge
Explain how the two Teddy Bears feel like when you pick them up?
Now explain your answer using the following words in the paragraph:
Heat, transfer of energy, sun, shade, temperature change, thermometer
.
Energy clues
21
Your turn: name the transformations
Use your house for this activity. Collect evidence first, then write the energy change.
1 Look
What changed?
2 Name
What did you observe?
3 Transform
Source energy → useful energy
#
Source or object
Evidence of energy I saw
Energy changed from → to
Ex
lamp
light / warmth
electrical → light + heat
1
2
3
4
5
Sentence frame: I think ______ energy changed into ______ because I saw ______.
Energy questions for today
Look for evidence as energy moves, warms, shines and makes sound.
Energy
Can be observed in�different ways
1
MOVE OBJECTS
How can energy move objects?
2
WARM OBJECTS
How does energy make objects warmer?
3
SHINE OR SOUND
How can energy make objects shiny or make sounds?
Student thinking space: listen for one clue you can point to for each question.
10
Energy clues
23
Vocabulary check
Read, say and use these words like an Energy Detective.
Word
Kid-friendly meaning
Example sentence stem
energy
makes changes happen
Energy from ______ made ______ happen.
Energy source
where energy starts
The energy source was ______.
receiver
what gets the energy
Energy was received by ______.
effect
what changed
The effect I noticed was ______.
evidence
proof from observing
My evidence is ______.
Notebook work
Choose two words. Write your own meaning and example.
Investigations
39
Sunlight warms objects in the backyard
Compare a sunny spot and a shady spot safely.
1
Choose objects
Pick two similar objects or places.
2
Wait and feel
Compare sunny and shady with care.
3
Record
Use words: warmer, cooler or same.
Place
What changed?
Evidence
Sunny
______
______
Shady
______
______
Adult help
Avoid hot objects, roads, glass and unsafe places.
Notebook work
Copy the small table and fill both rows.
11
The morning zoomies
Nimbus ran in fast circles while Joey tried to keep up. Snow watched calmly and Duchess blinked from the stairs.
Joey asks:
“How does Nimbus keep moving?”
Energy clues
25
Checkpoint
Move on when you can show these three things.
I can name at least two evidences for energy.
I can explain the type of transformation that happens.
I have my notebook table ready.
Notebook work
Tick the boxes in your notebook. If one is missing, go back one slide.
13
After the video: food gives us energy
Talk, write or draw your ideas. Use words from the video if you can.
Big idea: Food is energy fuel for our bodies.
TALK
1. What types of food did you notice mentioned in the video?
2. How does food help your body move, play or learn?
3. Choose a type of food for long-lasting energy.
WRITE OR DRAW
My energy food:
Connect it back:
FOOD
BODY ENERGY
MOVE + THINK
Year 3 sentence starter: “Food gives me energy to ______ because ______.”
Student thinking space
Before we learn the science, start with your first idea.
Write a recipe for breakfast after learning what gives our bodies energy.
DRAW
Food where energy might come from.
WRITE
My recipe
Make a balanced diet that will give you energy for the day
11
21
Warm Hands
Step 1 — make a safe heat test.
Rub your hands together for 10 seconds.
Stop and feel your palms.
Do not rub too hard.
Step 2 — write answers to Nina’s questions in complete sentences.
Did your hands feel warmer?
Did movement create warmth?
If you were to trace the source of heat, create a flow of energy?
Movement can turn into heat.
movement → heat
Rub your hands safely, then answer Nina’s questions.
22
Slow rub vs fast rub
SLOW RUB
FAST RUB
gentle movement
faster movement
may make a little warmth
usually makes more warmth
Write down your results
Rub your hands slowly for 10 seconds, then, rub them faster for another 10 seconds. How does it feel?
24
Energy is everywhere
Joey and Nina notice energy all around the yard.
Wind moves leaves.
Sunlight warms rocks.
Food helps bodies run.
Write your own energy change example:
Read each example and explain how it happens through energy changes.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 01/20
01
Phenomenon
Sun warming different surfaces
What students observe
Touch a metal seat, grass, concrete, and a wooden bench.
Energy explanation
Light energy from the Sun changes into heat energy. Different materials absorb heat differently.
Energy transfer/change: Light energy → heat energy
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 02/20
02
Phenomenon
Leaves moving in the wind
What students observe
Watch trees or bushes for 1 minute.
Energy explanation
Wind has movement energy (kinetic energy). It pushes the leaves and makes them move.
Energy transfer/change: Wind movement energy → leaf movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 03/20
03
Phenomenon
Birds flying
What students observe
Observe birds taking off and landing.
Energy explanation
Chemical energy from food is changed into movement energy so the bird can fly.
Energy transfer/change: Food chemical energy → movement energy
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 04/20
04
Phenomenon
People walking or running
What students observe
Watch students crossing the playground.
Energy explanation
Food gives our bodies chemical energy, which changes into movement energy.
Energy transfer/change: Food chemical energy → body movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 05/20
05
Phenomenon
Bicycle moving
What students observe
Watch someone riding a bike.
Energy explanation
The rider's muscles use energy from food to make the bike move.
Energy transfer/change: Muscle energy → bicycle movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 06/20
06
Phenomenon
Cars driving past
What students observe
Observe vehicles on a nearby road from a safe place.
Energy explanation
Fuel stores chemical energy, which changes into movement, sound, and heat energy.
Energy transfer/change: Fuel chemical energy → movement + sound + heat
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 07/20
07
Phenomenon
Flag waving
What students observe
Watch the school flag.
Energy explanation
Moving air transfers energy to the flag, making it move.
Energy transfer/change: Wind movement energy → flag movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 08/20
08
Phenomenon
Insects crawling
What students observe
Observe ants or insects.
Energy explanation
Living things use energy from food to move and survive.
Energy transfer/change: Food energy → movement and survival
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 09/20
09
Phenomenon
Bees visiting flowers
What students observe
Watch bees collecting nectar.
Energy explanation
The bee uses energy from food to fly between flowers.
Energy transfer/change: Food energy → flight
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 10/20
10
Phenomenon
Flowers facing the Sun
What students observe
Look at sunflowers or other plants.
Energy explanation
Plants use light energy from the Sun to make food through photosynthesis.
Energy transfer/change: Sunlight → plant food
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 11/20
11
Phenomenon
Water flowing
What students observe
Observe a creek, drain, or water fountain.
Energy explanation
The moving water has movement energy. Gravity helps the water flow downhill.
Energy transfer/change: Gravity + water movement → flow
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 12/20
12
Phenomenon
Clouds moving
What students observe
Watch clouds for several minutes.
Energy explanation
Wind moves the clouds across the sky.
Energy transfer/change: Wind movement energy → cloud movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 13/20
13
Phenomenon
School bell or playground sounds
What students observe
Listen carefully around the playground.
Energy explanation
Sound is a form of energy that travels through the air to our ears.
Energy transfer/change: Vibrations → sound energy
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 14/20
14
Phenomenon
Child sliding down a slide
What students observe
Observe someone using playground equipment.
Energy explanation
At the top they have stored (potential) energy. As they slide down it changes into movement energy.
Energy transfer/change: Stored energy → movement energy
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 15/20
15
Phenomenon
Ball rolling
What students observe
Roll or observe a ball.
Energy explanation
A push transfers energy to the ball, making it move. Eventually friction slows it down.
Energy transfer/change: Push energy → movement; friction → heat
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 16/20
16
Phenomenon
Shadow changing
What students observe
Observe a shadow over 15–30 minutes.
Energy explanation
The Sun appears to move across the sky because Earth rotates, causing shadows to change.
Energy transfer/change: Sunlight direction changes the shadow
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 17/20
17
Phenomenon
Butterfly flying
What students observe
Watch butterflies if available.
Energy explanation
Butterflies use energy from food to power their wings.
Energy transfer/change: Food energy → wing movement
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 18/20
18
Phenomenon
Warm and cool garden areas
What students observe
Compare sunny and shaded areas.
Energy explanation
Sunny areas receive more light energy, so they are usually warmer.
Energy transfer/change: More light energy → warmer surfaces
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 19/20
19
Phenomenon
Pinwheel spinning
What students observe
Hold a pinwheel in the breeze.
Energy explanation
The wind transfers movement energy to the pinwheel, making it spin.
Energy transfer/change: Wind movement energy → spinning
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
OUTDOOR ENERGY OBSERVATION 20/20
20
Phenomenon
Dog running
What students observe
Observe a dog playing.
Energy explanation
Animals use chemical energy from food to create movement energy.
Energy transfer/change: Food chemical energy → movement energy
Field note: Look for evidence of energy being stored, transferred, or changed.
Mind Maps:
A mind map lists all the ideas as connected thoughts.
ENERGY is the
ability to make things happen
MOVE
• running outside
• rolling a ball
• wind moving leaves
WARM
• warm hands
• sunlight on a rock
SHINE / LIGHT
• sunlight on a rock
• a porch light shining
SOUND
• energy can make sound
Energy can make things…
Energy is the ability to make things happen.
12
Create your mind map for Energy
Add one example to each branch. Use words or a quick sketch.
ENERGY
makes things happen
MOVE
What can move?
My examples: __________
SHINE / LIGHT
What can shine?
My examples: __________
WARM
What can get warmer?
My examples: __________
SOUND
What can make sound?
My examples: __________
Challenge: draw one more branch of your own.
33
Checkpoint: energy questions
1
Which energy clue do you see?
2
What is happening or changing?
3
What might be the energy source?
Ask AI for one explanation. Write: “matches my evidence” or “needs fixing”.
Choose an energy transformation that you observe.
34
What we discovered
By the end of Anchoring, students understand these ideas.
Energy is the ability to make things happen.
Energy can make things move, warm, shine or sound.
Living things get energy from food.
The Sun gives energy that warms and helps plants grow.
Energy can change form and keeps moving through the world.
My favourite energy example was:
“Energy is everywhere — it helps the world move, warm, shine and grow.”
I can explain energy
AI skill: I can ask, check and improve an AI answer.
Creative skill: I can give many, different, new and detailed ideas.