Challenges

Energy chains: energy use

TLF ID L2357

Select energy sources and energy converters to build energy chains to power appliances and vehicles. Examine how each energy converter in a chain loses some energy and reduces the energy available for use. For example, show that using a solar panel and an electric motor to drive a car delivers only 16% of the original energy in the sunlight. This learning object is one in a series of five learning objects that progressively increase in complexity.

Circuit Construction Kit: DCExperiment with an electronics kit! Build circuits with batteries, resistors, light bulbs, fuses, and switches. Determine if everyday objects are conductors or insulators, and take measurements with an ammeter and voltmeter. View the circuit as a schematic diagram, or switch to a lifelike view.

How can you change a circuit?Find out how you can change a circuit by adding items like switches with this Bitesiz KS2 science animation and a fun activity.

Super Sucker: Designing a Machine to Clean up Litter

This resource provides a design and technology project for older primary children. Linking to the topic of electricity, it provides a practical context in which children focus on electric circuits, motors and batteries to build their own mini-vacuum cleaner. The series of four lessons begins by introducing the engineering problem and asking the children to solve the problem. In the second lesson children take a detailed look at a hairdryer identifying its different parts and their functions. Applying previous learning about circuits, they then look at motors and fans, focussing on how differences in design change the effectiveness of the fan. They then make a switch for their device. In lesson three children work in groups to design and build their own vacuum cleaner, thinking about materials and component parts and how they will work to solve the initial problem. Finally the class discuss their different solutions and evaluate their designs against the initial criteria.

These resources were produced by The European project ENGINEER, under the funding of the 7th framework programme, as part of ENGINEER project, contract № 288989. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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