Evaluation
Energy can be a difficult concept to explain to students, mostly because it is just that, a concept. Since energy is a concept, students may have problems understanding that there are formulas by which to measure energy. Use the activity below to explain this concept to your students.
- Ask two students to stand facing each other with their arms out in front of them.
- Ask the students to place each others palms against the other as if they were pushing each other.
- Ask students if they feel energy being used. Students should reply "no" or that they are using the energy to stand and face each other.
- Ask students to push each others palms as if they are pushing the other person away from them.
- Ask students if they feel energy being used now. Students should reply "yes".
Explain to students that the energy was always present, but we do not notice energy until we are using it or seeing it being used. Further explain that energy comes in many forms, which will be introduced in a lesson plan later on in this series.