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Transfer of Energy (5-8)

* Energy is a property of many substances & is associated with heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion, sound, nuclei, & the nature of a chemical. Energy is transferred in many ways.   * Heat moves, flowing from warmer objects to cooler ones.   * Light interacts with matter by refraction, absorption, and reflection.   * Electrical circuits provide a means of transferring electrical energy when heat, light, sound, and chemical changes are produced.   * The sun is a major source of energy for changes on the earth's surface. (NSES, 1996)

In the rectangle above, you will find the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie this standard. Below you will find a list of recommended "learning tools" for this standard. All links are in yellow, just click the link. Numbers are for reference only. Use our "Tell a Friend" feature, at the bottom,  to send this page to a friend!

 1 PhET continues to be an amazing source of creative and elegant interactives. The name of this learning tool is called Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only). An electronics kit in your computer! Build circuits with resistors, light bulbs, batteries, and switches. Take measurements with the realistic ammeter and voltmeter. View the circuit as a schematic diagram, or switch to a life-like view. If you have Java, just click on RUN NOW. The main PhET site can be found here.

2 The name of this "learning tool" is called Using Electricity. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students. Flash is required.

3 Yes, it is in French, but this "learning tool" is easy and elegant to figure out. The name is Circuit Electrique. See you already know it is about electricity! Just click  arrows and then select the items you want to build your circuit. You have the choice of 2 circuits. The rest is up to you to play with. This wonderful tool was developed through the Space Museum of France. Flash is required.

4 One of the most spectacular learning tools we have ever seen! The name of this extraordinary learning tool is called Launchball and has been produced by the Science Museum of London. Students love this intuitive interactive. Once they get to the site, have students select "Play the Levels", they don't need a code (they will for saving their work), then have them do the "Warm Up". This will teach them all they need to know to explore this incredible virtual world of electricity, heat, magnetism, forces, motion, and the conducting power of copper. Just incredible!

5 Power Play is a “learning tool” from Science NetLinks. This interactive is a great resource when teaching students about physics. In particular, this is a great opportunity to challenge students to do some critical thinking about energy and power!

6 The name of this "learning tool" is called Circuits and Conductors. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students. Flash is required.

7 One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site, but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes . Just click on the Doppler Effect (1 Source)  to see their wonderful "learning tool".  Shockwave is required.

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Sunsite Funsite is a "learning tool" which comes to us from the Tuscon Electric Power Company. These simple, elegantly designed animations explore Solar Energy, Chemical Energy, Photovoltaics and more. Shockwave is required for these animations.

9 This is just a wonderful "learning tool", students are challenged to build Energy Street. By designing a street that balances happiness and energy efficiency students learn about city planning and the transfer of energy! This interactive was produced by Wonderville and the groundbreaking pioneers of science education at  Science Alberta.  

10 Visualizing electrical circuits can be difficult for students. This "learning tool" is called Electrical Circuits. One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site, but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes.   Shockwave is required.

11 Heat deals with the behavior of substances when heated and cooled.  It’s an online mystery in which students attempt to identify the everyday substance that is the exception to the rules of expansion and contraction. This learning tool is provided by the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

 

  

 

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