Energy Transformation

Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only CHANGE FORMS!

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Energy

We see energy changing forms all around us as we go through our day.

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Energy Transformations

This light bulb uses electrical energy to produce light energy

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Electrical energy -> Light energy

This car uses chemical energy to produce mechanical energy.

Chemical energy -> Mechanical energy

Create a flashlight using a battery, wire, and lightbulb.

What energy transformations are taking place to make your flashlight work?

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DIY Flashlight

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Day 5

Energy Transformations

Flashlights for Emergencies

In an emergency situation a flashlight can be very
important. For example, in an earthquake, the
electrical power to a city could be damaged. Having a
flashlight handy would be very useful. A traditional
flashlight relies on batteries. What if the power is out
for days? The batteries will eventually run out of
chemical energy.

What are alternative designs for a flashlight that use
another source of energy besides a standard battery?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Day 5

Energy Transformations

Examine alternative sources for electrical
energy and decide if those could help us
think of a new flashlight design.

•

Solar panels transform energy from the
sun into electrical energy using solar
cells. The electrical energy can be used
to power homes, cars, and more.

•

Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of
the wind to turn a generator. The
generator transforms the kinetic energy
into electrical energy.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Day 5

Energy Transformations

Can you propose a design for a flashlight that does
not use a traditional battery as its energy source?
What energy transformations would your design
include?

Draw a picture of your flashlight design. Be
sure to include labels and describe the energy
transformations.

Challenge

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Day 5

Energy Transformations

Now that you have explored energy
transformations, check your learning with this
question.

What energy transformations happen when
you use a computer?

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