Energy
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 11:23 PM
Great Resource
This is a very good resource. It starts with providing a general and simplified view of energy, that kinetic and potential energy can be calculated, and addresses different types and forms of energy in a fashion that is easy to understand. This SciGuide, like others, is organized the same with the introduction followed by themes in easy to find boxes. The thematic units are: 1) Recognizing Energy, 2) Thermal Energy, and 3) Changes in Energy. This particular SciGuide is focused for middle school students.
I used the Thermal Energy theme to teach lessons that I found on conduction, convection and radiation. They were excellent, had my students engage, easily found materials in my science classroom (affordable) and simple to follow. This SciGuide, like others, breaks the thematic unit into smaller portions. For example, Thermal Energy is broken down into Heat Transfer, How Does Heat Move?, and The Nature of Thermal Energy. I do recommend this SciGuide for anyone needing vetted internet links and foundational information to understand and find useful engaging lessons for a middle school classroom.