Energy in Motion - The Second Visit

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The second visit to Rufus Payne focused on: potential and kinetic energy, tools to measure the gain or loss of energy, conductors, convection, radiation, and conduction heat transfer, and limited supply of energy sources. Students were divided into groups of 3 to 6.

We began the activity with a game of "Energy Dominoes" which is similar to traditional dominoes with one exception: instead of varying amounts of dots on each side of the block different words and definitions should be used. Students matched definitions to words when playing the game. Words that were included: Potential energy, Kinetic Energy, Force, Power, and Renewable Energy. These terms were listed on the left and a definition not matching that word was on the right. Each group was given 5 dominoes with the different energy terms. Students worked together to match the definition of one block to a term on another block. All the dominoes ended up connected one end to the other. Each team had a unique order and sometimes formation. After the activity the terms and definitions were listed on the board for a review.

After the game a few fun science tools were brought out to further investigate the topics of the day. For example: An anemometer was brought out as tool that measures wind speed or energy produced by wind. A thermometer measures heat, which is a form of energy. One highlight of the visit was the Use of a bowling ball to demonstrate kinetic and potential energy.

To further explore the flow of electricity in a system, students were given a simple circuit and one of each - AAA battery, AA batter, C battery and a D battery. Students tested the batteries on the circuits and observed the changes in the light bulb on the circuit. They were encouraged to further explore the possibilities of multiple batteries and circuits. Discussions on series and parallel circuits continued the project and students were allowed to create examples of each and discuss which is brighter.

Students were also given a chance to make their own simple batteries using a lemon copper wire and a paper clip. The wire and clip were inserted into the lemon. Students placed the tip of the clip and wire to their tongue. Do their delight, and sometimes chagrin, an electrical charge goes through their tongue. It was explained to students that the acid is transferring electrons between the two wires, and the saliva on their tongue is completing the circuit. Also that the same thing happens in a battery.

Students added to their journal diagramming circuits, both series and parallel, and the flow of electrons in a battery. Students defined terms used in Energy Dominoes and gave examples of each. Students drew a picture of the different experiments and label the parts to each.

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