Activity
Energy Transformation
Energy transfer is the conversion of one form of energy into another. It can also be the movement of energy from one place to another. For example, solar panels allow for light energy to convert into heat and electrical energy.
Imagine you can power a useful machine using energy that is already being expended. For instance, a cyclist is riding a bike at home for exercise, but the cyclist is also powering a toaster. In this example, the cyclist is expending energy on the bike, but the moving peddles can also transfer energy to a battery, or by using a pulley system. Use this thought experiment to imagine how energy can be transferred to create motion or power a machine. Additionally, consider how energy can be used to perform useful tasks, with the help of a machine.
Problem:
How can energy that is expended to do one thing, power a machine to do something different?
Materials:
- Can You Power A House With A Bicycle? video
- Computer with Internet access for research
- Color printer
- Digital camera
- Typical office/hobby/hardware/craft supplies (paper, poster board, glue, etc.)
- Whatever supplies are needed if you decide to build your design.
Procedure:
- Watch the Can You Power A House With A Bicycle? video, or something similar, to gather ideas about how energy works to power machines.
- Design a contraption that does useful work using motion generated by something that is already using energy, like someone walking or riding a bike.
- If possible, build your design and see if it works.
- Interpret your findings in a detailed report.
- Include photos, diagrams, models, and demonstrations in your science fair display.
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