Activity 3: Energy Flows Objectives Students will be able to explain how energy is transformed when natural gas is taken from the well to the customer. Students will be able to trace or describe how energy is transformed in an everyday item like a flashlight.
Materials Large wooden kitchen matches Regular flashlight and hand-generated flashlight Forms and Sources of Energy worksheet, page 28
Natural Gas Energy Transformation worksheet, page 29 Energy Transformation Organizer, page 30 Masters, pages 15-20
2 Preparation Obtain the materials needed for the activities. Make copies of worksheets for students. Make copies or digital projections of the masters for the class.
Procedure FORMS OF ENERGY 1. Review or introduce energy by lighting a wooden match and asking students to describe what is happening in energy terms. Explain the energy transformation from the match back to the sun. 2. Use the Forms of Energy master to review or introduce the forms of energy. 3. Distribute the Forms and Sources of Energy worksheet and have the students complete it. Review the answers with the students, highlighting the forms of energy we use most.
FLASHLIGHTS AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS 1. Demonstrate a regular battery powered flashlight and a hand-generated flashlight. Ask the students to explain what is happening with each flashlight in terms of energy transformations. 2. Use the Energy Transformations master to trace the energy flow or transformations in the hand-generated flashlight. Discuss the differences between the two flashlights and how their energy flows from one form to another.
NATURAL GAS POWER PLANT AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS 1. Explain to students that natural gas is typically used for home heating and cooking, but is also used for industrial heating, manufacturing products, and generating electricity. Ask the students to think about how natural gas is used for generating electricity, and what is involved. 2. Use the Fusion, Photosynthesis, Natural Gas Formation, and Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Power Plant masters to explain the energy transformations that take place in the formation of natural gas and its use to generate electricity. 3. Have students complete the Natural Gas Energy Transformation worksheet by numbering the pictures in order and then explaining the energy transformations that take place on the back of the worksheet. 4. Have students complete the Energy Transformation Organizer either in class or as homework.
Extensions Have students write a script and create props to act out the energy flow for natural gas. Have students brainstorm or explain the energy conversions that occur in a compressed natural gas—or liquefied natural gas—powered vehicle. Discuss the similarities and differences between a thermal power plant and a nuclear power plant.
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Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG