Energy makes things happen
Energy makes things move, light up, warm up and make sounds. Find stored energy in food, batteries and rubber bands, and race a ball down a ramp.
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Energy makes things happen. We need energy to walk, ride a bike, cook food and drive a car.[1]
Energy comes in different kinds: light, heat, movement, sound and electricity are all kinds of energy.[1][2]
Some energy is stored, waiting to be used. Food has stored energy. So do batteries, and a stretched rubber band.[1][2]
Things up high have stored energy too. The higher and heavier something is, the more energy it stores. When a bike rolls down a hill, that energy turns into movement.[2]
Sunshine is energy. It gives us light and warmth.[2]
Energy can change from one kind to another. A lamp turns electricity into light and some heat. When wood burns, its stored energy turns into heat.[1][2]
Try it: Ball on a ramp: low, middle, high
You need
- A small ball or a toy car
- A board or a stiff piece of card for a ramp
- Books to make the ramp low, middle and high
- Masking tape
- Hand spans or a ruler to measure
Safety
Keep the ramp low and steady. Let the ball roll, never throw it. Pick the ball up so nobody trips on it.
What to do
- Make a ramp with one book under the board. This is the low ramp.
- Let the ball go from the top. Do not push it! Mark with tape where it stops.
- Add more books to make a middle ramp. Let the ball go from the top again and mark where it stops.
- Add more books for a high ramp and try again.
- Which ball went furthest? Why do you think so?
What happens, and why?
A ball up high has stored energy. The higher it starts, the more stored energy it has. As it rolls down, the stored energy turns into movement, so a ball from higher up goes further.[2]
Play: Stored or working?
Is the energy stored, waiting to be used, or is it working right now? Tap the right group.
Your best score is kept only on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Quiz
Other ages: Ages 10–11 · Ages 15–16