Exploring Energy with Toys: Complete Lessons for Grades 4-8
Classroom-tested projects using toys make learning about energy fun! This book of lively experiments for grades 4-8 doesn't just tell students about different forms of energy--it shows them! The use of toys to illustrate basic concepts of physical science means there'll be no more yawns when teachers students it's time for a science lesson. Topics include the energy of motion, stored energy, energy conservation, and more. Based on the successful Teaching Science with TOYS projects-funded by the National Science Foundation and Miami Unversity of Ohio--these energy activities got top marks during classroom testing students and teachers alike. Energy concepts are illustrated by activities like the following: Rubber Band Airplane--This easy-to-construct wingless aircraft demonstrates the relationships between the amount of stored energy and the distance the toy is able to travel. Homemade Roller Coaster--Kids can explore gravitational potential energy with a classroom-built loop-the-loop track. The Operation Game--As students play this computer game, they observe the light and sound energy produced from the chemical energy of batteries. Each activity contains a list of the key science topics covered and process skills used, estimated completion time, a materials list, safety and disposal procedures, step-by-step instructions, suggestions for varying the activity, explanation of the science concept, and reproducible student handsout. All activities are clearly referenced to the National Science Education Standards.