Energy Systems
The Energy Systems sequence consists of four curriculum units, which integrate math science, engineering and literacy across the elementary grades.
Invent-a-Wheel: The key concepts in this unit are gravity and its enemy, friction. Students try to get a cardboard sled to move down a ramp, and then help it by using rollers, and finally adding wheels. A sled with wheels is a car!
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Fantastic Elastic: Students design, construct and test two kinds of elastic powered vehicles: wind-ups and balloon cars. Each one stores potential energy in an elastic medium, and then releases it as kinetic energy, powering the vehicle.
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EnerJeeps: Students learn concepts of energy and electricity by designing, building and testing their own battery-powered cars. They develop and apply troubleshooting techniques, and write troubleshooting guides and instruction manuals for fixing and making their cars.
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ElectroCity: This unit develops concepts of energy and electricity through design of circuits controlled by hidden switches. Opening or closing a box or card triggers lights and sounds, and sets color wheels or vibrators in motion.
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