GK-12 Sensors!
Portable Module

Title: An Introduction to Energy

Author: Jesse Michael Parks

Disciplines: Physics

Introduction

One of the most difficult concepts to grasp in Physics is the abstract concept of Energy. We have learned a lot about how it works, but still have no idea what it actually is. This lecture borrows heavily from one of physics greatest teachers, the late Richard Feynman, to help students gain an understanding of how Energy fits into what we know and don’t know about our Universe.

Associated Maine Learning Results

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY--Secondary Grades

H. ENERGY
Students will understand concepts of energy.
Students will be able to:
4. Analyze the relationship between the kinetic and potential energy of a falling object.
6. Describe the relationship between matter and energy and how matter releases energy through the processes of nuclear fission and fusion.
9. Demonstrate an understanding that energy can be found in chemical bonds and can be used when it is released from those bonds.

Objectives

• To develop student appreciation for the miraculous simplicity of the laws of Physics.
• To develop student understanding of the basic forms that Energy can take and how they are related.
• To develop student awareness of the limits of present-day scientific understanding.
  

Required Equipment

Laptop computer with Microsoft PowerPoint (created using version 2003);
RGB projector and projector screen.

Procedure

Deliver the lecture An_Introduction_to_Energy using the accompanying Lecture Notes.

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