Download energy - eTAP.org

Science Lesson 5
Energy (Grades K-3)
Instruction 5-1
Energy
www.etap.org
ENERGY________________________________________________
Energy helps us do things. It gives us light. It warms our bodies and homes. It bakes cakes and
keeps milk cold. It runs our TVs and our cars. It makes us grow and move and think. Energy is
the power to change things. Energy is the ability to do work. Energy is everywhere and we use it
everyday! For example: You need to eat to give your body “energy.” You need to get a goodnight
sleep so that you will have “energy” in the morning to go to school.
There are two different kinds of energy:
1. POTENTIAL:
Potential energy is stored energy.
Example:
• A tiger waiting for its prey.
2. KINETIC:
1 of 3
Kinetic energy is motion.
Example:
• A tiger going after its prey.
California Content Standards Grade 3 Science 1.b.
B. J. Subbiondo © 2004
Science Lesson 5
Energy (Grades K-3)
Instruction 5-1
Energy
www.etap.org
DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY____________________________________
Light
Most of our light energy comes from the sun. We use light energy to see. At
night, we make our own light by using electricity.
Chemical
Chemical energy is the energy stored in atoms and molecules. Examples: coal,
natural gas, propane & petroleum
Mechanical
Mechanical energy is stored energy in objects by applying force. Examples: a
stretched rubber band, or a compressed spring.
Heat
We use energy stored in plants and other things to make heat. We burn wood
and natural gas to cook food and warm our homes. Factories burn fuel to make
their products.
Electric
Electrical energy is the movement of electrons. We make electricity by burning
coal, oil, and gas. We make it with energy from the sun, the wind, and water.
Electricity gives us light and heat, it makes things move, and it runs our toys
and appliances.
Atomic
Atomic energy is energy released in nuclear reactions. This energy is stored in
the nucleus of an atom.
Sound
Sound is the movement of energy through waves.
2 of 3
California Content Standards Grade 3 Science 1.b.
B. J. Subbiondo © 2004
Science Lesson 5
Energy (Grades K-3)
Instruction 5-1
Energy
www.etap.org
RENEWABLE ENERGY VS NONRENEWABLE ENERGY_________________
A renewable energy source is one we can use over and over again.
A nonrenewable energy source is energy that we use and can not replace it in a short amount of
time.
Examples:
RENEWABLE
Plants
Sunlight
wind
Rain
NONRENEWABLE
Coal
Natural gas
Propane
Petroleum
For more information on Energy go to:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/whatsenergy.html
3 of 3
California Content Standards Grade 3 Science 1.b.
B. J. Subbiondo © 2004