Energy Materials Management
Special note about managing materials for this module
- Click here to see the kit lists.
- Click here to download the re-order form.
Tips and Strategies
Below are some general tips and suggestions to assist with the management of materials for the Energy Unit:
- Check here for classroom supplies needed for the lessons. Use the following strategies to make acquiring and maintaining these materials less cumbersome:
- Use your school’s Open House/Parent Night to gather materials for the unit. Download the Request for Materials form, copy in needed classroom materials, and distribute the form during this time.
- Store classroom supplies in one or two boxes.
- Organize classroom supplies and ExploraGear items needed for a lesson (or week) into a separate “Active” box, so they are ready for use.
- Rotate the “Active” box items throughout the unit.
- Label the student reference books and create a system to track which student receives each book.
- Obtain these recommended books for the unit.
Energy Lesson 3
The following are revisions to the Teacher Directions for setting up the Energy Stations on pages 95-96 of the Energy Teacher Lesson Manual.
If your kit contains memory wire for Station 5, please use the ExploraGear items below and the following instructions as you set up this station. (Kits distributed after April, 2008 have other options instead of the memory wire.)
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cup warmer | 1 | To heat water. |
| Foil pan | 1 | To hold hot tap water. |
| Forceps, plastic | 1 | To remove memory wire from hot water. | Memory wire | 1 | To demonstrate the transfer of energy. |
Place a foil pan with 1/4 C hot tap water on the cup warmer at least 1 hour prior to Session 2. The water temperature should be around 50°C (122°F). (See safety note below about heating water.) Have paper towels available for water clean up.
SAFETY NOTE: Do not heat the water for Energy Station 5 in a microwave. Water at 65°C (150°F) causes third-degree burns in two seconds; water at 60°C (140°F) causes third-degree burns in six seconds.
Allow ample time to run through this station to troubleshoot any problems. Test the memory wire to ensure that your water reaches a temperature warm enough to get consistent results. The cup warmer should warm the water to at least 50°C (122°F). This temperature is towards the low temperature range for the memory wire. Heating the water higher than this will ensure better results, but may pose safety risks for the students. If you do not get consistent results with the setup, as an alternative consider using cups of cold and warm water with a thermometer.
ADDITIONAL REVISIONS
The following additional revisions are suggested as well to ensure than all the energy toys work properly.
Station 3—Sparking-wheel
Four sparking wheels are provided. Only put out one at a time, and make sure the students follow the directions for the sparking wheel. If used improperly, the wheel can break.
Station 4—Energy ball
Tape the energy ball along the seam before letting students use it. This will prevent it from opening if it is accidentally dropped. Be sure not to cover the metal contact points.