Energy Spark Slides The Energy Spark
Electricity & Energy Transformations
What is Energy?
The Definition:
Energy is the ability to do work or cause a change in matter.
Electrical Energy:
The movement of electrons (tiny particles) through a conductor.
Stored vs. Moving
Potential Energy
Energy that is stored and ready to be used.
Example: A battery sitting on a shelf.
Kinetic Energy
Energy in motion.
Example: Electricity flowing through a wire to a lightbulb.
The Shape Shifter
Chemical Energy
Electrical Energy
Light/Heat Energy
"Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it only changes forms."
Energy at Home
Kinetic to Electric
Wind turbines turn movement into electrical energy.
Electric to Mechanical
A mixer turns electrical energy into motion (spinning).
Electric to Thermal
A toaster turns electrical energy into heat.
Quick Check
If you turn on a flashlight, what energy transformation is happening?
Discuss with your neighbor!
Energy Spark Worksheet Energy Spark Worksheet
Shocking Science // Unit 1: Electrical Energy
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: The Energy Switch
Identify whether each scenario below describes Potential Energy (stored) or Kinetic Energy (moving).
1. A brand new battery in its packaging.
Potential
Kinetic
2. Electricity flowing through a wire to power a fan.
Potential
Kinetic
3. A cell phone charger plugged into an outlet (but not connected).
Potential
Kinetic
Part 2: Transformation Tracker
Draw an arrow and write the type of energy the electricity turns into for each object.
Desk Lamp
Transformation:
Electrical
Speaker
Transformation:
Electrical
Electric Fan
Transformation:
Electrical
Toaster
Transformation:
Electrical
Part 3: The Spark Summary
Explain in your own words: What happens to the energy in a battery when you use it to power a toy car?
Magnetic Pull Slides The Magnetic Pull
Invisible Forces & Attraction
What is a Magnet?
A magnet is an object that creates an invisible force called magnetism.
Key Characteristics:
Has two poles (North & South)
Attracts certain metals (Iron, Nickel, Cobalt)
Can pull or push without touching
N
S
Opposites Attract, Likes Repel
Attract
S
N
S
N
North and South poles pull together.
Repel
S
N
X
N
S
Identical poles push away.
The Magnetic Field
N
S
"The magnetic field is the area around a magnet where its force can be felt."
The closer you are to the poles, the stronger the force!
Magnets Everywhere
Navigation
The Earth itself is a giant magnet! Compasses use it to find North.
Technology
Computer hard drives and credit cards use magnetism to store data.
Electricity
Spinning magnets are used in power plants to create electricity!
Magnetic Challenge
If I cut a bar magnet in half, do I end up with one North piece and one South piece? Or two smaller magnets with both poles?
Make your prediction!
Magnetic Field Map Worksheet The Magnetic Field Map
Shocking Science // Unit 2: Magnetism
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: Attraction vs. Repulsion
In the boxes below, draw an arrow indicating if the magnets will move Toward each other or Away from each other.
S
N
?
S
N
Force: __________________
S
N
?
N
S
Force: __________________
Part 2: The Magnetic Hunt
Predict if each item is magnetic, then test it with a magnet if possible!
Item Prediction Magnetic? Metal Paperclip Yes / No Rubber Eraser
| Yes / No |
| Copper Penny |
| Yes / No |
| Iron Nail |
| Yes / No |
Part 3: Visualize the Field
Draw the invisible Magnetic Field lines around this bar magnet. Use arrows to show the direction of the force (from North to South).
N
S
Circuit Connections Slides Circuit Connections
Building the Flow
The Complete Loop
An electric circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow from a source to a device and back.
Essential Ingredients:
1. Power Source: Battery or Outlet2. Conductor: Wires3. Load: Lightbulb, Motor, Speaker4. Controller: Switch (Optional)
The Path
Closed = ON | Open = OFF
Type 1: Series Circuit
The Single Lane
All components are connected in a single path. Electricity has only one way to go!
The Problem:
If one bulb breaks, the whole circuit fails (like old holiday lights).
BATT
Everything shares the flow!
Type 2: Parallel Circuit
The Multi-Lane Highway
Electricity has multiple paths to take.
The Benefit:
If one bulb breaks, the others stay lit! This is how your house is wired.
Each branch is independent!
Can it Flow?
Conductors
Materials that allow electricity to flow easily.
Copper Aluminum Water
Insulators
Materials that block or resist the flow of electricity.
Rubber Glass Plastic
Circuit Lab
We are going to use batteries, wires, and bulbs to build our own working circuits!
Let's get connected!
Circuit Lab Worksheet The Circuit Lab
Shocking Science // Unit 3: Circuit Connections
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: The Blueprint Language
Scientists use special symbols to draw circuits. Look at the symbols below and label what they represent.
X
Part 2: Build & Compare
1. Series Circuit
Draw a circuit with one battery and two lightbulbs in a single loop.
Question: If you unscrew one bulb, what happens to the other?
2. Parallel Circuit
Draw a circuit with one battery and two lightbulbs in two separate paths.
Question: If you unscrew one bulb, what happens to the other?
Part 3: Conductors vs. Insulators
Test three classroom objects by placing them in your circuit path. Do they let the bulb light up?
Object 1:
Result: Flow / No Flow
Object 2:
Result: Flow / No Flow
Object 3:
Result: Flow / No Flow
