How to Demonstrate Energy to the Sixth Grade

Energy takes a variety of forms.

Energy is what makes things react with one another, whether a chemical reaction, physical reaction or any other kind of reaction. Because it takes so many forms, it is sometimes difficult to explain, especially because it is so intangible. But you can demonstrate it by demonstrating its effects, particularly the physical effects of kinetic and potential energy.

Instructions

1. Stretch a rubber band and ask students what is going to happen when you let it go.

2. Give rubber bands to your students. You can give each student rubber bands or divide them into groups.

3. Ensure that each student or group has rubber bands of a few different lengths, thicknesses and tensions.

4. Encourage students to stretch their rubber bands and launch them, taking care to see how far they go and what they need to do to make them go farther.

5. Ask your students to compare the results from different thicknesses and tensions. They will find that the farther back they can pull a rubber band, the farther it will go when they release it.

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6. Ask your students why some rubber bands go farther if they can be stretched farther. Notice that you have not said "energy" yet.

7. Discuss with your students what happened and why. Once they get close to figuring out why rubber bands go farther when stretched farther, introduce the concept of energy.

8. Explain kinetic and potential energy and how they affected this demonstration. Now that your class has been thinking about and applying these concepts, it's just a matter of labeling. This activity will make the concept of energy less abstract and more tangible, which will help students understand it better.

References

• Middle School Portal; Energy Transfer for Middle Schoolers