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Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre

Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre

Leading environmental education to empower learners for a sustainable future.

Telephone02 9247 7321

Emailobservhill-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Investigating Energy

Investigating Energy is a half day (2 hr) Science and Technology incursion designed to enrich and strengthen Science and Technology learning outcomes, in the topic ‘Physical World’.

Students will use a variety of scientific equipment to investigate various aspects of energy, particularly the transfer and transformation of electrical and heat energy. They will learn about energy sources and undertake two experiments to observe the transformation and transfer of energy. 

Key inquiry question

  • What types of energy transformations can be observed?

Key syllabus outcomes

Science Physical World
Students will:
  • plan and conduct scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collect and summarise data to communicate conclusions ST3-1WS-S 
  • plan and use materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-2DP-T 
  • explain how energy is transformed from one form to another ST3-8PW-ST
And the Cross Curriculum Priorities and General Capabilities of Sustainability, Critical and Creative Thinking 

Skills outcomes

During the program, students will work scientifically by:

Questioning and predicting

  • make and justify predictions about scientific investigations (ACSIS231, ACSIS232)

Planning and conducting investigations

  • identify questions to investigate scientific ideas
  • plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer problems
  • identify potential risks in planning investigations
  • manage resources safely (ACSIS086, ACSIS103)
  • reflect on and make suggestions to improve fairness, accuracy and efficacy of a scientific investigation (ACSIS091, ACSIS108)
  • manage investigations effectively, individually and in groups

Processing and analysing

  • compare data with predictions
  • present data as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS218, ACSIS221)

On the day activities

During the incursion, students will:

  • Learn about where energy comes from, the variety of energy types (including renewable and non renewable sources) and the environmental consequences of using different types of energy
  • Assemble a solar car to observe and understand the processes involved with solar energy. 
  • Work in teams, using a sustainable house kit, to test the effectiveness of various insulation materials in transforming and transffering heat energy.

Pre visit and follow up resources 

Pre Visit activities

Activities prior to the delivery of the program will help prepare students for the day as well as link the program to the class program.

These could include:

Follow up activities

Pre visit and follow up resources PDF 103KB

Cost 

  • DoE - $10 per student (GST free). 
  • Non Government School $15 per student (GST free). Minimum cost of $600.

Incursion program downloads

Download these documents to help with your incursion planning: