The teacher will help to clear any misconceptions about energy transformations. A major misconception is that students think that energy is just used up and not transformed.
Estimated Class Time for the Engagement: 20-30 minutes
EXPLORATION
This student-centered station lab is set up so students can begin to explore energy transformations. Four of the stations are considered input stations where students are learning new information about energy transformations and four of the stations are output stations where students will be demonstrating their mastery of the input stations. Each of the stations is differentiated to challenge students using a different learning style. You can read more about how I set up the station labs here.
EXPLORE IT!
Students will be working in pairs to better understand energy transformations. In this station, students interact with labels as they try to identify the types of energy transformed. Students will follow the steps and record their observations on their lab sheet.
WATCH IT!
At this station, students will be watching a short video explaining energy transformations. Students will then answer questions related to the video and record their answers on their lab station sheet. For example: List 6 different types of energy that are found in the video. List 4 different energy transformation examples from the video.
RESEARCH IT!
The research station will allow students to explore an interactive web page that helps them understand energy transformations. Students will be instructed to complete a few tasks and record answers on their lab sheets.
READ IT!
This station will provide students with a one page reading about energy transformations. There are 4 follow-up questions that the students will answer to show reading comprehension of the subject.
ASSESS IT!
The assess it station is where students will go to prove mastery over the concepts they learned in the lab. The questions are set up in a standardized format with multiple choice answers. Some questions include: What is the correct energy transformation in a flashlight? What is the correct energy transformation in a hot air balloon? What is the correct energy transformation in a hydropower dam? Which energy type is missing from the solar panel?
WRITE IT!
Students who can answer open-ended questions about the lab truly understand the concepts that are being taught. At this station, the students will be answering three task cards: Describe the energy transformation in a windmill. What does the law of conservation of energy state? Provide an example of a household item and describe the energy transformations that it undergoes.
ILLUSTRATE IT!
Your visual students will love this station. Students are to draw pictures that demonstrate their knowledge of energy transformations.
ORGANIZE IT!
Students at this station will match the sets of cards. Cards include objects and energy transformations that the students will work to determine which would be a match. Once students have completed their organization, the teacher will check their understanding.
Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 1-2, 45 minute class periods
EXPLANATION
The explanation activities will become much more engaging for the class once they have completed the exploration station lab. During the explanation piece, the teacher will be clearing up any misconceptions about energy transformation with an interactive PowerPoint, anchor charts, and notes. The energy transformation lesson includes a PowerPoint with activities scattered throughout to keep the students engaged.
The students will also be interacting with their journals while taking notes from the PowerPoint. If you have students that need modified notes, the 5E lessons come equipped to help give every student access to the lesson.
Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods
ELABORATION
The elaboration section of the 5E method of instruction is intended to give students choice on how they can prove mastery of the concept. When students are given choice the ‘buy-in’ is much greater than when the teacher tells them the project they will have to create. The elaboration project will allow students to create a transformation table, scavenger hunt, solar oven, drawing of an energy transformation machine, sound experiment, Lego circuit board, Rube Goldberg machine, or a heat demonstration.
Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods (can also be used as an at-home project)
EVALUATION
The final piece of the 5E model is to evaluate student comprehension. Included in every 5E lesson is a homework assignment, assessment, and modified assessment. Research has shown that homework needs to be meaningful and applicable to real-world activities in order to be effective. When possible, I like to give open-ended assessments to truly gauge the student’s comprehension.
Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: 1, 45 minute class period
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