TEKS Addressed: 6.1A, 6.1B, 6.2A, 6.2C, 6.2D, 6.2E, 6.3A, 6.3B, 6.3C, 6.4A, 6.4B, 6.7A, 6.8A, 6.9C

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations that address the advantages and disadvantages of using differing energy resources and the law of conservation of energy as related to transformations of energy. Earth’s energy resources are available on a renewable, nonrenewable, or nearly perpetual basis. Understanding the origin and uses of these resources enables informed decision making. Energy cannot be created or destroyed; only transformed from one form to another or transferred from one substance to another.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 3

  • 3.6A – Explore different forms of energy, including mechanical, light, sound, and thermal in everyday life.

• Grade 4

  • 4.6A – Differentiate among forms of energy, including mechanical, sound, electrical, light, and thermal.

• Grade 5

  • 5.6A – Explore the uses of energy, including mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, and sound energy.

• Grade 6

  • 6.8A – Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy.

During this Unit

Students research the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources. Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and demonstrate energy transformations and identify examples of potential and kinetic energy. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in the Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

After this Unit

In a subsequent unit, students will investigate methods and patterns of thermal energy transfer.