Transformation of Electrical

Energy

Benchmark: SC.5.P.10.4 Investigate and explain that electrical

energy can be transformed into heat, light, and sound energy, as

well as the energy of motion.

Objective: Students will explain that electrical energy can be

transformed into heat, light, and/or sound energy, as well as

energy of motion.

Essential Question: How can electrical energy be transformed

into other forms of energy?

Home Learning:

Word Wall

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION

The law of conservation of energy states that the energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

Energy can move from one object to another object.

When energy changes from one form to another, it is called transformation.

Every time an energy change occurs some heat energy is released.

TRANSFORMATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Electricity is a form of energy that is produced when electrons move from one place to another place.

Electrical Energy can be transformed or changed into heat, light, and sound energy, as well as energy of motion.

Heat Light Sound

Benchmark: SC.5.P.10.3 Investigate and explain that an

electrically-charged object can attract an uncharged object

and can wither attract or repel another charged object

without any contact between forces.

Objective: Students will explain that an electrically-charged

object can attract an uncharged object and/or either attract or

repel another charged object without any contact between the

objects.

Essential Question: How will an electrically charged object

interact with other charged objects?

Home Learning:

Electric Charges

+ +

_

_+

_

Like charges repel each other.

Unlike charges attract each other.

Attract means to pull on. Repel means to push against.

An electrically charged object can attract an

uncharged object and/or repel another charged

object without any contact between the objects.

ELECTRICALLY CHARGED OBJECTS

Attraction Attraction

Repulsion/Repel

Share and Write

Accountable Talk

Discussion Point

Partner A

Answer the following question:

What are 3 ways in which electrical energy can be

transformed? Give an example of each.

Partner B

Answer the following question:

What is the difference between attraction and

repulsion? What happens to like charges and what

happens to unlike charges?

Benchmark: SC.5.P.11.1 Investigate and illustrate the

fact that the flow of electricity and materials that do not.

Objective: Students will determine that the flow of

electricity requires a closed circuit.

Essential Question: How can electrical energy be

transformed into other forms of energy?

Home Learning:

Electric current flows through a path called a circuit. A circuit is like a big loop. In order for the current to flow through the loop, the path

must have no breaks; in other words, it must be closed. A closed circuit has no breaks in it. An open circuit has a break.

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

Closed circuit – Light bulb is on Open circuit – Light bulb is off

Benchmark: SC.5.P.11.2 Identify and classify materials

that conduct electricity and materials that do not.

Objective: Students will identify and/ or classify materials

that conduct electricity and materials that do not.

Essential Question: How will an electrically charged

object interact with other charged objects?

Home Learning:

Anything that allows heat/thermal energy or electricity to

move through it easily is a conductor.

Anything that slows the movement of heat/thermal energy

or electricity is an insulator.

CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

The cookie sheet is a conductor.

Metals are good conductors of

heat/thermal energy and electricity.

The oven mitt the mom is wearing is

an insulator. Thick fabrics, plastics,

and rubber are not good conductors

of heat/thermal energy and

electricity.

Heat is the transfer of thermal

energy between objects of

different temperatures.

Heat travels from a warmer

object to a cooler object.

The heat will continue to flow

until the temperature of the

two objects has equalized, or

reached the same

temperature.

FLOW OF HEAT

Energy from the sun can be used to heat objects.

ENERGY FROM THE SUN

Solar energy mostly passes through the atmosphere and this heat

is absorbed by all objects, such as humans, trees, flowers, roads,

etc. These objects will then warm up. Dark objects, such as asphalt

roads, will absorb and warm faster than light colored objects.

When sunlight is not present, heat may be lost.

Share and Write

Accountable Talk

Discussion Point

With your shoulder partner, have a discussion about the following:

Discuss the difference between open and closed circuits.

Discuss conductors and insulators and give examples.

Discuss what you have learned about the flow of heat.

Checks for Understanding

1. Benny’s family bought a new electric stove. The stovetop had several large circles on it. When Benny’s father turned on the stove, the circles glowed with a red color. What can you infer about these circles?

A. The circles gave off both heat and light.

B. The circles gave off only light to show where to place the pans.

C. The circles gave off light but not heat.

D. The circles gave off light to help the cook see the stove.

The electrical energy from the stove was converted into heat energy to cook the food. When the metal rings on the stove become extremely hot, they glow a reddish orange color which is light energy.

2. It was a hot, sunny day when Marsha’s family was visiting the beach. Marsha took off her sandals and headed for the water. The sand was so hot, she had to run so her feet would not burn. Which of the following best explains why the sand was so hot?

A. People running in the sand made the sand hot.

B. Heat and light from the Sun made the sand hot.

C. Wind blowing over the sand made the sand hot.

D. The temperature that day made the sand hot.

Checks for Understanding

The solar energy (light energy) passes through the atmosphere and this heat is absorbed by all objects including the sand Marsha was walking on. Therefore, heat and light from the Sun made the sand hot.

3. Alex turned on the light in his room so he could do his homework. What type of energy transformation is taking place in Alex’s room?

A. electrical to light

B. light to mechanical

C. mechanical to heat

D. heat to electrical

Checks for Understanding

When the switch is flipped on, the circuit is closed allowing the electrical energy to flow to the lamp, which lights up.

Electrical Energy Light Energy

Write a summary paragraph explaining your understanding of one of the following topics:

How electricity transforms into other forms of energy?

The difference between conductors and insulators.

The flow of heat.

The difference between open and closed circuits.