Unit 3 Planning 8 sessions
Unit Title: Exploring Energy
SESSION number 1:
Objective: Students will be able to define energy and identify different types of energy.
Assessment: Have students create a concept map showing the different types of energy.
Key Points: Introduction to energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, thermal energy, chemical energy.
Standard Addressed: NGSS 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals' food was once energy from the sun.
SESSION number 2:
Objective: Students will understand the properties of energy and its ability to transfer.
Assessment: Conduct a group activity where students demonstrate energy transfer using different objects.
Key Points: Energy transfer, conservation of energy, sound energy, light energy, mechanical energy.
Standard Addressed: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
SESSION number3:
Objective: Students will explore sources of energy and understand the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy.
Assessment: Have students create a poster comparing and contrasting renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. (click to go)
Key Points: Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal), nonrenewable energy sources (fossil fuels), advantages and disadvantages.
Standard Addressed: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth's resources and environment.
SESSION number 4:
Objective: Students will learn about power plants and their role in generating energy.
Assessment: Have students write a paragraph explaining the process of generating electricity in a power plant. Youtube video
Key Points: Power plants, fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power plants, renewable energy power plants.
Standard Addressed: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
SESSION number 5:
Objective: Students will review and reinforce their understanding of energy concepts through a hands-on activity.
Assessment: Have students complete a worksheet where they match energy types with their definitions.
Key Points: Review of energy concepts and types (first sessions) (FLASH CARDS)
Standard Addressed: Use models to describe that energy in animals' food was once energy from the sun.
SESSION number 6:
Objective: Students will apply their knowledge of energy to real-world scenarios.
Assessment: Have students work in groups to create a skit or presentation demonstrating the use of different energy sources in everyday life.
Key Points: Energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy in transportation and homes.
Standard Addressed: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth's resources and environment.
SESSION number 7:
Objective: Students will investigate the impact of energy choices on the environment. (Climate change)
Assessment: Have students write a persuasive essay discussing the benefits of using renewable energy sources.
Key Points: Negative environmental impacts of fossil fuels, positive environmental impacts of renewable energy.
Standard Addressed: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth's resources and environment.
SESSION number 8:
Objective: Students will reflect on their learning and Create an Energy-Saving Pledge (Their proposal to save energy)
Assessment: Have students create an energy action plan poster, outlining steps they can take to conserve energy.
Key Points: Energy conservation strategies, individual and collective action.
Standard Addressed: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth's resources and environment.
Final Proyect Activities Suggestions:
1. Energy Fair: Have students create interactive displays showcasing different types of energy and their applications (They can design different tools with different sorts of energy).
2. Energy Debate: Divide the class into teams and have them debate the pros and cons of various energy sources.
3. Create a concept map showing the different types of energy.
