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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Exploring Energy Transfer: From Object to Electric Current

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Exploring Energy Transfer: From Object to Electric Current

A 4th grade STEM lesson

Mayra Ramos

05/10/24

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Notes for teachers

Before conducting this lesson, ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the concepts of energy transfer, electric currents, and basic circuitry. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the materials and procedures outlined in the lesson plan to effectively facilitate the activities and guide student learning.

Consider conducting a pre-assessment to gauge students' prior knowledge and understanding of energy concepts. This will help you tailor the lesson to meet the needs of your students and identify any misconceptions that may need to be addressed.

This lesson is better suited for students who have some kind of knowledge about energy and circuits. This should NOT be done as an introduction lesson to any unit.

List of Materials

Flashlights
Batteries
Wires
Light bulbs
Various objects such as rubber balls, metal spoons, plastic cups, etc.
Conductive materials like aluminum foil, copper wire, etc.
Cardboard
Tape
Scissors
Markers
Safety goggles

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Standards

NGSS: 4-PS3 Energy

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Arizona Science Standards:

4.P4U1.1: Develop and use a model to demonstrate how a system transfers energy from one object to another even when the objects are not touching.

4.P4U1.2: Develop and use a model that explains how energy is moved from place to place through electric currents.

Standards

Math Standard:

4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. (4-PS3-4)

Other related standards:

Common core state standards connections:

ELA/Literacy -

W.4.7

Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. (4-PS3-2),

W.4.8

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. (4-PS3-2)

Math Note:

Depending on how advanced or in depth you want to go with this lesson, these are ways you can integrate math:

Measurement:

Have students measure the length and resistance of different wires or conductive materials used in their electric circuits. They can use rulers or measuring tapes to determine the length and multimeters to measure resistance.
Calculate the total resistance in a series circuit by adding the individual resistances of each component.
Calculate the total voltage in a parallel circuit using the formula V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

Data Analysis:

Have students collect data on the brightness of light bulbs in different parts of their circuits. They can measure the brightness using a lux meter or simply by observation. Then, they can graph their results to analyze the relationship between voltage, current, and brightness.
Analyze data collected from experiments on energy transfer between objects. Students can record measurements of temperature changes or the movement of objects and use mathematical calculations to analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Problem-Solving:

Pose math problems related to circuitry and energy transfer, such as calculating the total resistance in a complex circuit or determining the amount of energy transferred between objects in a given scenario.
Challenge students to design circuits with specific constraints, such as using only a certain number of components or achieving a target level of brightness with minimal power consumption. This requires students to use mathematical reasoning to optimize their designs.

Geometry and Spatial Reasoning:

Explore the geometric shapes and configurations of circuit components, such as resistors and wires. Students can identify and classify shapes, measure angles, and calculate areas and volumes as they design and construct circuits.
Encourage students to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional representations of circuits, such as schematics or physical models, to understand how components are connected and how energy flows through the system.

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Objectives:

1. Students will understand the concept of energy transfer between objects without direct contact.

2. Students will explore how electric currents facilitate the transfer of energy from one place to another.

3. Students will design and construct simple models to demonstrate these concepts.

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Vocabulary list

Energy Transfer
Electric Current
Circuit
Conductor
Insulator
Model
Battery
Light Bulb
Switch
Renewable Energy

Energy Transfer: The movement of energy from one object or system to another, often through different forms such as heat, light, sound, or motion.
Electric Current: The flow of electric charge through a conductive material, typically facilitated by the movement of electrons.
Circuit: A closed loop or pathway through which electric current can flow, typically consisting of a power source (such as a battery), conductive wires, and various components (such as light bulbs or switches).
Conductor: A material that allows electric current to flow through it easily due to its abundance of free electrons, such as metals like copper or aluminum.
Insulator: A material that resists the flow of electric current and prevents electricity from passing through it easily, such as rubber or plastic.
Model: A simplified representation or explanation of a system or concept that helps us understand and predict its behavior.
Battery: A device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy, providing a source of power for electric circuits.
Light Bulb: A device that converts electrical energy into light and heat energy, often used as a component in electric circuits to demonstrate energy transfer.
Switch: A device used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit by opening or closing the circuit pathway.
Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, or flowing water, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or perform other useful work.

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Agenda (2 - 2.5 hours)

Introduction (15 mins)

Vocabulary (10 mins)

Exploring Energy Transfer (30 mins)

Building Electric Circuits (30 mins)

Connecting Concepts (15 mins)

Conclusion and Reflection (10 mins)

Assessment

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

What is energy?

How can energy be transferred?

Can energy move from one object to another without them touching?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with various objects (rubber balls, metal spoons, plastic cups, etc.).
Instruct students to observe and discuss how they think energy might transfer from one object to another without direct contact.
Encourage students to experiment with different ways to transfer energy without touching the objects. For example, they can use sound waves, light waves, or magnetic fields.
After experimenting, have each group present their findings to the class. Discuss common patterns and observations.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Seeking the source

Building Electric Circuits (30 minutes):

Introduce the concept of electric currents and how they transfer energy from one place to another.

Video for teacher below

Demonstrate how to build a simple electric circuit using batteries, wires, and light bulbs.

Video for kids below

Provide materials for each group to build their own electric circuits.
Encourage students to experiment with different circuit designs and components to see how they affect the flow of energy.
Circulate among the groups to provide guidance and support as needed.
Math integration: Have the students experiment with different color bulbs and different size wires, does it make a difference. (Be sure they are measuring the wires along the way)

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Connecting the Concepts

Gather the students back together and facilitate a discussion about the similarities and differences between energy transfer through objects and energy transfer through electric currents.
Ask guiding questions such as: "How are energy transfer through objects and through electric currents similar?" "How are they different?"
Encourage students to make connections between the concepts they have explored and the real-world applications of energy transfer.

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Conclusion and Discussion (15 mins)

How can we apply what we know about energy transfer to other parts of our lives?

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Assessment

10 Question multiple choice quiz in teacher notes below

https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5fb18f7d8862d0001b12df80/4th-grade-energy-transfer

What is energy transfer?

a) The movement of objects from one place to another

b) The movement of energy from one object or system to another

c) The movement of heat between objects

d) The movement of sound waves through a medium

Which of the following is an example of energy transfer without direct contact?

a) A person pushing a car

b) The sun heating the Earth's surface

c) Mixing hot and cold water together

d) Plugging in a lamp to turn it on

What is electric current?

a) The flow of air through a space

b) The movement of water in a river

c) The flow of electric charge through a conductive material

d) The sound produced by a vibrating guitar string

Which material is a good conductor of electricity?

a) Rubber

b) Plastic

c) Copper

d) Glass

What is a circuit?

a) A path for water to flow

b) A closed loop through which electric current can flow

c) A type of battery

d) A device used to control the flow of electricity

What is the function of a switch in an electric circuit?

a) To store electrical energy

b) To convert electrical energy into light energy

c) To control the flow of electric current by opening or closing the circuit

d) To generate heat energy

Which component of an electric circuit converts electrical energy into light and heat energy?

a) Battery

b) Wire

c) Resistor

d) Light bulb

What is a renewable energy source?

a) A source of energy that can be used only once

b) A source of energy that cannot be replenished

c) A source of energy derived from natural processes that are constantly replenished

d) A source of energy that is harmful to the environment

What is the purpose of a model in science?

a) To make predictions about the future

b) To provide a simplified representation or explanation of a system or concept

c) To conduct experiments

d) To generate hypotheses

Which of the following is an example of energy transfer through sound waves?

a) Turning on a light bulb

b) Cooking food in a microwave

c) Hearing a bell ring

d) Charging a phone

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Differentiation

Objective: Students will reinforce their understanding of fundamental concepts related circuits, they will be able to draw their own circuits with colors to help them better understand what they are and how they work.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Challenge students to design and build more complex electric circuits, incorporating switches or multiple light bulbs.
Explore the role of renewable energy sources in transferring energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
Research and discuss real-world examples of energy transfer systems, such as power grids or hydraulic systems.

Introduce Key Concepts (10 minutes):

Provide a brief overview of the basic components of an electrical circuit, including power source (battery), conductive wires, and load (such as a light bulb).
Show students examples of common circuit symbols used in diagrams, such as those representing batteries, light bulbs, switches, and wires.
Explain the purpose of each component and how they interact to create a functional circuit.

Practice with Circuit Diagrams (15 minutes):

Distribute simple circuit diagram handouts to each student. (There are tons online to choose from, be sure that it is appropriate for the kids you service)
Instruct students to identify and label the components of the circuit using the correct symbols.
Encourage students to trace the path of the electric current through the circuit and identify any switches or branching paths.
Circulate among the students to provide guidance and assistance as needed.

Have students take what they know and have them draw their own simple circuits. Black: battery, Green: wire, Yellow: light

Resources:

https://www.bhamcityschools.org/cms/lib/AL01001646/Centricity/Domain/131/Electrical%20Circuits%20Activity%20Book.pdf

https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/electricity.html