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Matter & Energy

matter and energy

Energy: Where Does it Come From?

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In this lesson, students will investigate how the sun is a primary source of energy for plants and animals. Students will explore the concept of using these sources of energy to make things grow and heat things up!


MATERIALS

Sprouting Seeds:

  • A used egg carton
  • Soil
  • Seeds, variety of garden seeds, grass seeds or chia seeds (alternatives: kitchen scraps, apple seeds, tomato seeds, bell pepper seeds)
  • Water
  • Clear plastic bag
  • Box

Solar Oven:

  • Pizza box (ideal but any smaller box will do)
  • Black construction paper
  • Aluminum foil
  • Stick / dowel rod
  • Tape
  • Clear plastic (like plastic wrap or clear plastic bags)
  • Glue (glue gun is best)
  • Ingredients (s’mores, nachos, etc.)
  • Scissors
  • Magic marker
  • Ruler
  • Oven mitts
  • Thermometer (optional)

HANDOUT

HANDOUT ANSWERS

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS


Energy: Where Does it Go?

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In this lesson, students will learn about different types of energy in their lives and build a catapult and paper airplane launcher which use energy to make them move.


MATERIALS

Catapult 1:

  • Plastic spoon
  • Cotton balls

Catapult 2:

  • Craft sticks
  • Elastics
  • Large marker
  • Tape
  • Bottle cap
  • Cotton balls

Paper Airplane Launcher:

  • Craft stick
  • Elastic
  • Tape
  • Paperclip
  • Computer paper or airplane template
  • Crayons or markers

IMAGES

HANDOUT

HANDOUT ANSWERS

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

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