Energy Balance Progression Guide
9th Grade Physical Science • No-Algebra Focus
Energy Balance Progression Guide
Conceptual Energy Tracking, Boundary Models, & Simple Arithmetic Modeling
Grade Level 9th Grade
Pedagogical Note: This modified progression avoids abstract algebraic rearrangements (like \(Q - W = \Delta U\)). Instead, it leverages conceptual bookkeeping ("Ins vs. Outs"), basic arithmetic (addition and subtraction), and visual/spreadsheet-based tools that bypass symbol-heavy algebra.
Learning Target Progression (Levels 1–5)
Level 1: Tracing System Boundaries
Identify & Label
Identify system components and use arrows to label energy entering (Ins) or leaving (Outs) a physical system.
Classroom Context Drawing boundaries around a hot cup of soup.
Evidence Check Draw a dotted line boundary and label thermal energy leaving as an "Out" arrow.
Level 2: Energy Bookkeeping (In vs. Out)
Conceptual-Arithmetic
Calculate the net energy change of a system using simple addition or subtraction when given total inputs and outputs.
Classroom Context Change in energy = Total Energy In - Total Energy Out
Evidence Check If \(100\text{ J}\) enters and \(30\text{ J}\) leaves, the system gained \(70\text{ J}\) of energy.
Level 3: Two-Component Sharing (Closed Systems)
Application
Apply the rule that energy lost by one component must be gained by another when no energy crosses the main system boundary.
Classroom Context Closed systems with two parts (e.g., warm metal dropped in cold water).
Evidence Check Identify that if the metal lost \(50\text{ J}\), the water must have gained exactly \(50\text{ J}\).
Level 4: Finding the Missing Change (Guided Math)
Problem Solving
Solve for a single missing energy flow or component change using a guided, word-based subtraction or addition template.
Classroom Context Using a "bank account" style visual organizer to balance values.
Evidence Check "We started with \(50\text{ J}\), added \(40\text{ J}\), and ended with \(70\text{ J}\). How much must have leaked out?" (\(20\text{ J}\))
Level 5: Visual Spreadsheet Accounting
Computational Modeling
Fill in basic, pre-structured spreadsheet formulas (using only simple add/subtract links) to track system balances automatically.
Classroom Context Spreadsheets as digital balances (no complex coding languages).
Evidence Check Write a formula like `=A2 + B2 - C2` in a cell to auto-calculate the final energy balance.
Teacher Support: Scaffolding Math Without Variables
Energy Inventory Tables
Use tables listing columns for "Starting Energy," "Energy In," "Energy Out," and "Ending Energy" to help students organize values before math.
The Money Metaphor
Compare energy to dollars: "Income" (Energy In), "Expenses" (Energy Out), and "Savings Change" (System Internal Energy Change).
Excel/Sheets Shortcuts
Focus computational work purely on pointing and clicking cells to build simple relations: =sum(cells).
Curriculum Framework: 9th Grade Physical Science Scaffolded Learning & Math Accommodations Page 1 of 1
