View this Bozeman Science Video - Developing and Using Models

Last week you had the opportunity to explore several different simulations which modeled energy and energy transformation.

• How were these models helpful in your understanding or energy? '

• Could you develop a model of how energy is transferred or transformed somewhere in your home?

You can now choose to learn more about a related topic by researching it on your own.

• Use this Energy Systems Investigation Sheet as a guide, if you like.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of energy that produce electricity in the United States?

Read from the SEPUP Student Energy textbook pages D-57 to D-65

• Student Book (PDF; English)

• Student Book (PDF; Spanish)

Additional Resources for this project are given on Day 3.

Possible resources for student investigations

Interactives and Simulations

• Thermal Energy Transfer using this PBSMedia Interactive Thermal Energy Transfer

• Simulation - on Kinetic Energy versus temperature

• Energy Flow Interactive - Shows the flow of energy from the sun to a person eating a hamburger.

• Putting Energy to Use - In this video from NOVA’s Energy Lab, learn how the ability to convert energy from one form into another has revolutionized human society.

• Off the Grid - a simulation that allows you to try and generate electricity off the grid in 3 different locations.

• Energy Lab Interactive - Use scientific data to design renewable energy systems for cities across the U.S., in this interactive from the NOVA Energy Lab.

Videos

• Renewable Energy 101

• Hydropower 101

• How Nuclear Power Plants work

• Ocean Energy - Wave Power Station

• Can 100% Renewable energy power the world?

• Difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Engineering Activities

• Build a solar oven

• Design a cooler

• Make a homemade thermometer

• Build a solar updraft tower

Continue to work to learn about a topic of your choice. Resources can be found on Day 3.

The Challenge - Find a live animal and observe its characteristics (color, shape, size, etc.). Write about or draw what you notice and any questions you are wondering about what you see why does it look the way it does? What characteristics are helpful?

Materials

• A live animal to observe (try collecting a worm, ant, snail, or other bug from your yard or a nearby park)

• Drawing materials

• Magnifying glass (optional)

More ideas

Compare and contrast your observations and what you notice and wonder.

Try to find answers to the questions you are wondering about

• http://www.nwf.org/natureguides

• http://www.insectidentification.org.

• http://www.backyardnature.net/insectid.htm

• http://www.bugfacts.net/insects/php