Background: Sunshine State Standards

Below are listed the Sunshine State Standards for energy in Florida. The specifics are tuned towards the 5th grade level (as suggested in the SSS manuals).

The student recognizes that energy may be changed in form with varying efficiency.

• Knows the many ways in which energy can be transformed from one type to another
• Knows that various forms of energy can be measured in ways that make it possible to determine the amount of energy that is transformed
• Knows ways that heat can move from one object to another

The student understand the interaction of matter and energy

• Knows that some source of energy is needed for organisms to stay alive and grow
• Recognizes the costs and risks to society and the environment posed by the use of nonrenewable energy.
• Knows that the limited supply of useable energy sources places great significance on the development of renewable energy sources.

Flow of energy in a system

• Understands the difference between potential and kinetic energy
• Knows that tools can be used to measure the gain or loss of energy.
• Knows that some materials are conductors to varying degrees
• Understands various methods to transfer heat (convection, radiation, and conduction).
• Understands that there are limited supplies of energy sources.
• Understands the need for renewable energy sources.

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