Energy: Forms and Transformations
Understanding energy and its effects on objects
In Grade 4, students explore different forms of energy and how it is transferred. They investigate potential and kinetic energy, and learn how energy is transformed. Students also design solutions to problems involving energy.
Grade Four Expectations for Energy
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object
- Identify different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, electrical, light, sound)
- Demonstrate how energy can be transferred from one object to another
- Investigate the relationship between speed and energy in moving objects
- Design and conduct experiments to show how energy changes form
- Collect and analyze data on energy transfer in simple systems
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Four, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during energy experiments, device construction, and energy conversion demonstrations
- Conversations: Student explanations of energy forms, transfers, and applications in daily life
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Performance tasks involving energy transfer and transformation concepts
- Energy conversion device design and testing rubrics
- Science journals for recording observations, data, and reflections
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Materials for creating energy conversion demonstrations
- Charts and diagrams showing energy transformations
- Renewable and non-renewable energy information and case studies
- Videos and images of energy forms and conversions
- OECS Grade 4 Science Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Science journals for recording observations and reflections
- Materials for creating energy conversion devices
- Energy vocabulary cards and concept maps
- Visual aids and reference materials
- Simple circuit components and materials for energy experiments
Teacher Content Knowledge
Energy in Grade 4 enables students to develop a deeper understanding of how energy exists in different forms, transfers between objects and systems, and can be converted from one form to another. Students learn about energy sources, conservation principles, and practical applications that affect their daily lives and future sustainability.