Energy Conversions Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions

Read each scenario below. In the table, identify the form of energy before and after the transformation, then explain your answer.

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe a real-life example of an energy transformation you see at home. Be specific about the energy types involved.

1. Draw and label a diagram of a rubber-band–powered toy car, showing the energy conversion stages.

Differentiation Strategies

• For ELLs: Use the word bank below to help complete the table and questions.
  Word Bank: chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, radiant, kinetic, potential
• For Advanced Learners: List two additional examples of multi-step energy transformations (e.g., chemical → electrical → light). Describe each step.

Energy Transformation Card Game

Objective:
Students will reinforce their understanding of energy transformations by matching Source Cards (types of stored energy) with Effect Cards (resulting energy forms) and explaining the process.

Materials:

• Energy Transformation Card deck:
  • Source Cards (e.g., Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Radiant, Nuclear, Gravitational Potential, Elastic Potential)
  • Effect Cards (e.g., Heat, Light, Motion, Sound, Electrical, Kinetic)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Score sheet or recording paper

Setup:

1. Shuffle Source Cards and place them face down in one pile.
2. Shuffle Effect Cards and place them face down in a separate pile.
3. Divide students into small groups (3–4 per group). Give each group a set of both decks, a timer, and a score sheet.

How to Play:

1. On “GO,” the first player draws one Source Card and then looks through the Effect Card pile to find the correct match.
2. When a match is found, the player lays down the pair, explains the energy transformation (e.g., “Chemical energy in gasoline becomes kinetic energy to move a car”), and records it on the score sheet.
3. If the explanation is correct, the group keeps the pair; if incorrect, return the Effect Card to the bottom of the pile.
4. Players take turns drawing Source Cards and matching until both decks are empty or time is up (recommended 8–10 minutes).
5. Groups tally their correct matches. The group with the most pairs wins.

Variations & Extensions:

• Speed Round: Challenge groups to make as many correct pairs as possible in 5 minutes.
• Cooperative Mode: Groups work together to match all cards and set a class record time.

Differentiation Strategies:

• For ELLs: Provide a picture key for each energy type and a word bank of terms.
• For students with IEPs/504 plans: Allow extra time and use of the word bank.
• For advanced learners: Introduce multi-step transformations (e.g., Chemical → Electrical → Light) and ask them to match chains of three or more cards.

Mini Energy Project Instructions

Objective: In small groups, design and build a simple device or demonstration that clearly shows an energy transformation. Document each step, explain how energy changes form, and test your prototype.

Materials (per group)

• Rubber bands or elastic bands
• Toy car bases, wheels, or small chassis
• Balloons and straws
• Small weights (washers, nuts)
• Chart paper & markers
• Tape, scissors, paper clips
• Optional electronics: batteries, LED lights, wires

Project Steps

1. Brainstorm (2 min):
   • On chart paper, list at least two device ideas that involve an energy transformation (e.g., elastic → kinetic, chemical → light).
2. Sketch & Plan (3 min):
   • Choose one idea. Draw a labeled sketch showing where the energy starts (source) and where it ends (output).
   • Under the sketch, write a brief step-by-step description of the transformation (e.g., “When the rubber band unwinds, elastic potential energy becomes kinetic energy”).
3. Build Prototype (5 min):
   • Use available materials to assemble your device.
   • Assign roles: builder, recorder, tester, presenter.
4. Test & Record Data (2 min):
   • Operate your device.
   • Use the stopwatch or a ruler to measure performance (e.g., distance traveled, time in motion).
   • Record one key observation on your chart paper.
5. Refine (2 min):
   • Discuss: How can you improve the energy transfer?
   • Make one quick adjustment and test again if time allows.
6. Prepare Elevator Pitch (1 min):
   • Outline a 1-minute presentation:
     • Name of your device
     • The energy transformation stages
     • One data point or observation supporting its success

Presentation (1 min per group)

• Show your prototype to the class.
• Explain the energy transformation using correct terminology.
• Share your key observation or measurement.

Assessment Criteria

Use this rubric to self-check before presenting. Your teacher will also use it for feedback.

Teacher Notes: ________________________________________________