Grade 4
Energy and Motion
Motion energy, energy transfer, collisions, energy conversion devices, fuels, and natural resources.
4-PS3-1, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-3, 4-PS3-4, 4-ESS3-1
4 lessons
150 quiz questions
Lesson 1: Energy of Motion
Connect an object's speed to its energy.
Learning goals
- Explain that moving objects have energy.
- Relate speed to motion energy.
- Use evidence from motion examples.
Moving objects have energy
A moving object has energy because it can cause change. A rolling ball can knock over blocks, and a faster ball can often cause a bigger change.
Speed matters
When an object moves faster, it usually has more energy of motion. Students can compare how far objects move after different collisions.
Lesson 2: Energy Transfer
Trace how energy moves from place to place.
Learning goals
- Identify ways energy transfers.
- Describe sound, light, heat, and electric energy.
- Explain simple energy chains.
Energy moves
Energy can transfer by sound, light, heat, electric currents, and motion. When you clap, motion energy transfers into sound and thermal energy.
Energy chains
A flashlight changes stored chemical energy in a battery into electrical energy and then light energy.
Lesson 3: Collisions
Observe how energy transfers when objects collide.
Learning goals
- Describe what happens in a collision.
- Explain that energy can transfer between objects.
- Use observations to compare collisions.
Objects interact
When objects collide, they push on each other. Motion energy can transfer from one object to another.
Different results
A collision can make an object start moving, stop, change direction, or change shape. The result depends on speed, mass, direction, and materials.
Lesson 4: Energy Resources and Design
Compare energy resources and design a device that converts energy.
Learning goals
- Identify renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.
- Describe energy conversions in devices.
- Design a device that changes energy from one form to another.
Natural resources
Energy resources include sunlight, wind, moving water, fuels, and food. Some resources are renewable, while others take a very long time to replace.
Designing devices
A device can convert energy from one form to another. A simple buzzer converts electrical energy into sound energy.