45: Energy Hot Spots

TEKS 5.8B:

Force, Motion, and Energy

TEKS 5.8B:

Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy is everywhere and can

be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to 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.

Answer(s) and Rationale(s)

In order for electrical energy to be transformed into ONLY light energy and sound energy,

students would need to

Close Switch 1

and

Close Switch 2

.

Closing Switch 1 would complete the circuit to the light bulb, which would make the light bulb

light up and transform electrical energy into light energy.

Closing Switch 2 would complete the circuit to the buzzer, which would make it buzz,

transforming electrical energy to sound energy.

Teacher Notes

Students are introduced to circuits in fourth grade (TEKS 4.8C). Circuits that are complete,

closed, and working have secure connections between all wires and objects (i.e., light bulbs,

motors, buzzers). Any switches in a complete circuit are closed. Conversely, incomplete, open,

and broken circuits contain disconnections or gaps in wiring or between objects. Switches

may be open as well.