Science KS 3 Unit 9I Energy and Electricity

In this unit pupils:

• explore a range of useful energy transfers and transformations.
• discuss the use of electricity as a convenient way to transfer energy to do useful things.
• associate the concept of voltage with the transfer of energy in a circuit.
• investigate the voltage of cells.
• study how electricity is generated, with reference to environmental impacts.
• use the principle of conservation of energy to identify ways in which energy is dissipated during transfers.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• use models to explain observations relating to electric currents.
• use scientific knowledge to frame a question for investigation.
• measure voltage in circuits.
• identify patterns in the measurements of voltage in series circuits and use these to draw conclusions.

This unit is expected to take approximately 8 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• a selection of electrical toys and devices to show energy transfers and transformations
• samples of fruit and vegetables or dilute acid solutions
• a selection of samples of metals to make electrodes, eg copper, zinc, iron, aluminium, magnesium
• secondary source material on generating electricity and associated environmental issues, electric cars and other 'energy-saving' appliances
• small motors or materials to build generators
• a bicycle dynamo
• a joulemeter (and datalogger)
• ammeters and voltmeters or digital multimeters
• a household electricity meter or picture of one
• domestic appliances, including low-energy bulbs, or pictures of and energy information about these