Energy Transformations
STEM Learning Lab
Program Summary
Explore the science of energy with demonstrations including
electrical, sound, chemical, heat and light energy. A Tesla coil,
Jacob’s Ladder, plasma tube, ultraviolet lights, and sound
devices make energy transformations exciting!
Grades 4—8
25 minutes
Vocabulary
chemical reaction
chemiluminescence
circuit
Tennessee Science Standards
See end of document to find specific Grade Level Expectations (GLE).
EMBEDDED INQUIRY
Conceptual Strand: Society benefits when engineers apply
scientific discoveries to design materials and processes that
develop into enabling technologies.
STANDARD 9—MATTER
Conceptual Strand 9: The composition and structure of matter
is known, and it behaves according to principles that are
generally understood.
STANDARD 10—ENERGY
Conceptual Strand 10: Various forms of energy are constantly
being transformed into other types without any net loss of
energy from the system.
STANDARD 12—FORCES IN NATURE
Conceptual Strand 12: Everything in the universe exerts a
gravitational force on everything else; there is an interplay
between magnetic fields and electrical currents.
Objectives
1. Understand that sound is a vibration in a medium.
2. Understand that superheated gas (plasma) will give off
energy in the form of light.
3. Identify common energy transformations that power the
world around them.
electricity
frequency
fuel
gas
heat
ionized gas
Jacob’s Ladder
kinetic
luminescence
plasma
potential
renewable
solar
Tesla coil
theremin
ultraviolet light
vapor
vibrations
4. Observe the transfer of energy from one form to another.
5. Understand that electrical energy can be produced from a variety of energy
sources and then transformed to almost any other form of energy.
Pre-Visit Activities
1. Find pictures that show different forms of energy. Include pictures that can be
placed in more than one category to encourage more discussion with your
students. For example, the Sun would fit in light as well as heat. A toaster could
be placed in heat and electricity.
2. Explain to students that there are various forms of energy. Create a list on the
board to include: light, heat, sound, electrical, chemical, and mechanical. Pass
out illustrations. Ask students to decide which form of energy is best shown in the
picture and to place that picture on the board under the correct category using
magnets or tape.
3. Discuss any items that might be placed in more than one category.
Post-Visit Activities
1. Have teams of students research the Tesla Coil, Jacob’s Ladder, Theremin, and
Plasma Globe. Data should include when the invention was made and by whom,
why it was created, and what the practical uses for the invention are. Student
teams can present their information to the class.
2. Divide students into teams and assign each group a source of renewable energy
(solar, hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal).
Have students research their assigned
renewable energy and present to the class.
Encourage students to include a short
demonstration if possible.
ASC Exhibits Connections
Adventure Tower—Level 2 & 3
The IR Wall—Space Chase 2nd Floor
Resources
Websites
Chem4kids is an excellent website for the study of matter and the changes that take
place with that matter.
Science projects involving energy
NASA Cool Cosmos infrared gallery
TN State Standards
4th Grade
Physical Science
GLE 0407.9.2: Explore different types of physical changes in matter.
GLE 0407.10.1: Distinguish among heat, radiant, and chemical forms of energy.
6th Grade
Physical Science
GLE 0607.10.2: Analyze various types of energy transformation.
GLE 0607.10.3: Explain the principles underlying the Law of Conservation of Energy.
NGSS
4th Grade
Energy
4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from
place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.