Energy Transformations

What You'll Learn

Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can be replenished naturally. Nonrenewable sources like fossil fuels take millions of years to form.

Key Words

potential
work
simple machine

Materials Needed

rubber bands
blocks
spring scale
stopwatch
pencils

Safety First

Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.
Adult supervision recommended.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Magnets before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Build a simple motor using a battery, magnet, wire, and paper clip supports. Observe how electromagnetic forces create rotation.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is momentum?