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
- 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
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:
- View YouTube Renewable Energy.
- Try lessons from Primary Connections unit Essential Energy.
- Try lessons from Primary Connections unit Circuits and Switches.
- View games and activities from Cool Australia.Org.
Follow up activities
- NSW DET Thermal comfort program.
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: