Grade 3 Science TEKS 3.8A:Everyday Examples of Energy

Learning Target: I can explore and describe what light energy is and find examples of it in my world.

Focuses On:

• What light energy is and real world examples of it.

Builds On:

This is the first time that students are introduced to light as a form of energy.

Next Level:

5.8A:

investigate and describe the transformation of energy in systems such as energy in a flashlight battery that changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy

5.8B:

demonstrate that electrical energy in complete circuits can be transformed into motion, light, sound, or thermal energy and identify the requirements for a functioning electrical circuit

5.8C:

demonstrate and explain how light travels in a straight line and can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of light energy.

The lesson begins with an introduction to light energy and its real-world examples. It then focuses on explaining and helping students identify the differences between natural and artificial (human-made) light sources.

This lesson serves as the students' first formal introduction to light as a form of energy. They will explore this concept in greater depth, including its applications, in fifth grade.

Learning Target: I can explore and describe what sound energy is and find examples of it in my world.

Focuses On:

• What sound energy is and everyday examples of it.

Builds On:

2.8A:

demonstrate and explain that sound is made by vibrating matter and that vibrations can be caused by a variety of means, including sound

2.8B:

explain how different levels of sound are used in everyday life such as a whisper in a classroom or a fire alarm

Next Level:

4.8A:

investigate and identify the transfer of energy by objects in motion, waves in water, and sound

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of sound energy, including its definition and real-world examples.

The lesson builds on standard 2.8AB, where students were introduced to sound and its causes. The combination of the 2nd-grade concept of vibrations and the 3rd-grade concept of energy will provide a foundation for students to understand how sound energy is transferred through waves in 4th grade.

Learning Target: I can explore and describe what thermal energy is and find examples of it in my world.

Focuses On:

• What thermal energy is and causes of it.

Builds On:

This is the first time students are introduced to the concept of thermal energy.

Next Level:

7.8B:

investigate how thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all substances within the system reach thermal equilibrium

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of thermal energy.

The lesson begins with an introduction to thermal energy and its real-world examples. It explains that thermal energy transfer can cause changes in materials, such as warming, melting, and drying.

This serves as the students' first introduction to thermal energy, forming a foundational understanding that will be expanded upon in 7th grade.

Learning Target: I can explore and describe what mechanical energy is and find examples of it in my world.

Focuses On:

• Mechanical energy as potential vs kinetic.
• Real world examples of mechanical energy.

Builds On:

This is the first time that students are introduced to mechanical energy.

Next Level:

7.8C:

explain the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of the particles within a substance

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of mechanical energy.

The lesson begins with an introduction to mechanical energy and its two main types: potential energy and kinetic energy. It then explores real-world examples of mechanical energy.

This serves as the students' first introduction to the concept of mechanical energy, providing a foundational understanding that will be built upon in 7th grade.