Grade 5 · Conservation of Energy and Resources · Conservation of Energy and Resources
Trace Energy Through a System
Energy appears in many forms and can be stored in a system. It cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transferred and transformed.
Visual model
See how the ideas connect
Identify forms and sources of energy
Trace energy transformations
Explain conservation and dissipation
Conservation of Energy and Resources
For students
Notice, predict, explain
Choose one part of the model. Predict how it connects to another part, then use the lesson evidence to explain your thinking.
For teachers
Pause for science talk
Show the model before the explanation. Ask “What do you notice?” and “What might change?” Then revisit student ideas after the worked example.
The big idea
Energy changes form without disappearing
In every real system, useful energy transformations are accompanied by energy that spreads into the surroundings, often as thermal, sound, or light energy.
Work it through
Follow energy on a bicycle ride
- Step 1 Chemical potential energy stored from food supports the rider's muscles.
- Step 2 The rider transfers energy through the pedals and chain, producing the bicycle's kinetic energy.
- Step 3 Climbing stores more gravitational potential energy in the rider-and-bicycle system.
- Step 4 Friction and air resistance transfer some energy to the surroundings as thermal and sound energy.