Vocab
Define "energy".
The ability to make things move or change.
True or False: Energy can be created and destroyed. How do you know?
False!
Define "potential energy".
The ability to make things move or change in the future/the energy that is stored in an object or system.
Define "kinetic energy".
The energy that an object has because it is moving.
A convincing argument is supported by ________ and _________.
Evidence and reasoning.
A set of interacting parts forming a complex whole
What is a "system"?
What is a solar cell? What kind of energy does it convert?
A device that converts energy from the sun to electrical energy that can be stored in a battery.
When a skateboard is at the top of a ramp, is it at its highest or lowest potential energy?
Highest!
When a skateboard is on a ramp, where is the skateboard at when it's at its highest kinetic energy?
At the bottom.
True or false: Models represent the natural processes being investigated in important ways, and they are always exactly the same. Give an example.
False! The energy systems we built in the simulation were a visual model for us to study, but they were a digital version since we don't have the materials to study every single energy source.
A generator is a machine that can convert _______ energy into _______ energy.
Kinetic to electrical.
What is a hand-crank generator? What kind of energy does it convert?
A device that converts energy from the human body to electrical energy that can be stored in a battery.
Where do humans get their energy from?
Food, oxygen, sleep, etc.
Does friction increase or decrease kinetic energy? Explain.
Decrease! Friction is resistance between surfaces/objects so the movement slows down.
How do you know if the rescue workers' system has energy or not? What kind of energy will be at the end of the system?
You will see the light energy from the flashlight.
Define "convert".
To change from one type to another.
True or false: both living and non-living things can have energy. Give examples.
True! Humans, batteries, etc.
What is the piece of the rescue workers' hand-crank generator system that has potential energy?
The charged battery.
What is the piece of the rescue workers' hand-crank generator system that has kinetic energy?
The hand-crank.
What is the purpose of scientific argumentation?
To convince others using strong evidence and reasoning.
Define "transfer".
To move from one object/place to another.
Name the 5 energy sources from the evidence cards/in-class activity.
Hydroelectric power, solar power, fuel, wind power, and human power.
True or false: The farther back a bow is pulled, the farther the arrow will go. Explain your answer using scientific vocab/argumentation.
True! Potential energy increases, then the PE gets converted to KE.
Give an example of ANOTHER table's energy system design that used kinetic energy.
Shoe, glove, squeezy hand grip, water bottle, body suit, etc.
How do models help scientists answer questions?
Scientists can use models to TEST their ideas and get evidence about processes in the natural world that are difficult to observe.