Unit 15 Sources of energy

Lesson 1 Energy from the Sun, wind, water Duration of lesson: 4 periods
and fuels
Learning objectives
• Identify sources of energy and their uses.
• Explain how we make use of energy from the Sun, wind, water and fuels through energy conversion.
• State some uses of solar cells.
• Practise safety precautions in using fuels.

Engage (1st E) Use of an interesting picture or video (10 min)

Option 1
Purpose: To engage pupils and evaluate their prior knowledge about sources of energy
Resource: Textbook

1. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 37 and look at the picture. Give pupils some time to read the sentence at the
bottom of the page.
2. Ask pupils the questions that follow. Discuss the answers.
3. Go through the 'Let's find out' questions.

Option 2
Purpose: To engage pupils and evaluate their prior knowledge about sources of energy
Resources: Textbook, a video showing the use of wind energy

1. Visit the website http://www.brainpop.com/science/energy/windenergy/ and show pupils the video on the
use of wind energy. Ask:
• Which machines use energy from the wind? (windmills and wind turbines)
2. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 37.
3. Go through the 'Let's find out' questions.

Explore (2nd E) Guided inquiry (10 min)

Purpose: To introduce how we use different sources of energy

Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry questions for Section 15.1 on Textbook p. 38, Section 15.2 on Textbook p. 39,
Section 15.3 on Textbook p. 40, Section 15.4 on Textbook p. 42 and Section 15.5 on Textbook p. 43. Discuss
possible answers.

Explain (3rd E) Teacher-directed discussion (70 min)

Purposes: To explain how we use different sources of energy through energy conversion, how solar cells are
used and how to practise safety precautions in using fuels
Resources: Textbook, computers with Internet access

1. Recall that there are different forms of energy. We can obtain different forms of energy from many sources.
2. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 38 and look at the pictures. Ask:
• What are some sources of energy? (the Sun, running water, wind and fuels)
3. Recall that when we eat food, our body uses the chemical potential energy stored in food to do work and
keep ourselves warm.
4. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 39 and look at the grass. Ask:
• How do plants make use of the Sun's energy? (to make food during photosynthesis)
5. Explain to pupils that the Sun's energy is converted into chemical potential energy in the food that plants
make. When Man and other animals eat plants, they are indirectly using energy from the Sun. Ask:
• What is energy from the Sun also called? (solar energy)
6. Have pupils look at pictures of the satellite and the solar panels on the rooftop of the house. Explain that we
can use solar cells and solar panels to collect solar energy. Solar cells on satellites and solar vehicles collect
light energy from the Sun. The light energy from the Sun is converted into electrical energy.
7. Have pupils think about the 'Explore' question on Textbook p. 39. Discuss possible answers. (One way is
through a solar power tower, which consists of large, movable mirrors that reflect the Sun's rays towards
a tower of water. The water in the solar power tower is heated to become steam, which turns turbines
connected to generators that produce electricity. Accept other possible answers.)

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy

8. Recall that gravitational potential energy is stored in an object above the ground. Kinetic energy is the
energy that an object in motion has.
9. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 40 and look at the picture of the dam. Explain that a dam is built across a
river or reservoir and a hydroelectric power station makes use of a dam to hold back water so that it can be
collected at great heights. Ask:
• What type of energy does the water collected in a dam have? (gravitational potential energy)
10. Explain that when the dam is opened, the water rushes down. The gravitational potential energy of the
water collected in the dam is converted into kinetic energy of the flowing water.
11. Have pupils look at the picture of the hydroelectric power station and use it to explain how the kinetic energy
of running water is used to generate electrical energy.
12. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 41 and look at the picture of the wave power station. Use it to explain to
pupils how the wave power station converts the kinetic energy of the waves into electrical energy.
13. Have pupils look at the That's Cool' feature on Textbook p. 41. Elaborate that a tidal power station collects
seawaterat a high tide. During a low tide, the water will flow out of the tidal power station, which makes a
turbine spin and causes the generator to turn and generate electricity.
14. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 42. Use the diagram of the windmill to explain how the kinetic energy of
wind is converted into mechanical and electrical energy.
15. Have pupils look at the picture of the wind turbines. Explain that a wind farm is made up of many wind
turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.
16. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 43. Explain that coal, petrol and natural gas are examples of fuels and that
all fuels store chemical potential energy in them. When fuels are burnt, the chemical potential energy in the
fuels is converted into heat and light energy. Use the diagrams of coal mining and oil drilling to illustrate how
fuels are collected from the Earth.
17. Have pupils carry out the 'Explore' activity on Textbook p. 43 at home or in a classroom equipped with
computers. Discuss possible answers. (Fossils are the remains of living things that lived thousands of years
ago and have been preserved in rocks. Coal comes mainly from plants that grew on the land. Oil and natural
gas come from microscopic organisms that lived in the sea. Accept other possible answers.}
18. Recall that we must handle objects that produce heat and objects that are hot properly so as to avoid
getting hurt.
19. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 45. Explain to pupils the precautions to take when using fuels.

Elaborate (4th E) Application to the real world (50 min)

Purposes: To apply knowledge of how we use different sources of energy through energy conversion and find
out how to practise safety precautions in using fuels
Resources: Textbook, Activity Book, a pair of scissors, a paper cup, a pencil, some adhesive gum, a piece
of square paper, a straw, a piece of wire and an eraser per pupil

1. Have pupils turn to Activity 15.1 on Activity Book p. 30.

2. Go through the procedures with pupils.
3. Have pupils complete Activity 15.1 on Activity Book pp. 30—31.
4. Discuss answers to Activity 15.1.
5. Have pupils turn to Activity 15.2 on Activity Book p. 32.
6. Go through the procedures with pupils.
7. Have pupils complete Activity 15.2 on Activity Book pp.32—33.
8. Discuss the answers to Activity 15.2.
9. Have pupils think about the 'Explore' question on Textbook p. 45. Discuss possible answers. (Liquid fuels give
off combustible vapours and are fire and safety hazards. They should be kept outside the house at all times.
Accept other possible answers.)

Evaluate (5th E) Assessment (20 min)

Purpose: To assess pupils' understanding of the lesson

Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry questions for Section 15.1, Section 15.2, Section 15.3, Section 15.4 and Section 15.5
again. (The Sun, wind, running water and fuels. The Sun's energy is used by plants to make food. Solar cells
and solar panels collect the Sun's energy and convert it into electrical energy. Kinetic energy of running water
is used by a hydroelectric power station and a wave power station to generate electrical energy. A windmill
uses the kinetic energy of the wind and converts it into mechanical energy and electrical energy. A wind
turbine also uses the kinetic energy of wind and converts it into electrical energy. When fuels are burnt, the
chemical potential energy that is stored in them is converted into heat and light energy. Power stations use
fuels to generate electricity.)
2. Go through the 'Quick Check' questions on Textbook p. 41 and p. 43. (A hydroelectric power station makes
use of a dam to hold back water, which has gravitational potential energy stored in it. Once the water is
released from a great height, the kinetic energy of the running water turns the turbines, which in turn causes
the generator to turn and generate electrical energy. A wave power station uses the kinetic energy of waves
and converts it into electrical energy. It is converted into heat and light energy.)

Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Lesson 2 Alternative sources of energy Duration of lesson: 2 periods
Learning objectives
• State the different sources of alternative energy and their uses.
• Differentiate between limited energy sources and renewable energy sources.
• Understand the importance of energy conservation.

Engage (1st E) Use of an interesting picture or video (5 min)

Option 1
Purpose: To engage pupils and introduce biofuels
Resource: A picture of how biofuels are made

1. Print out the picture of how biofuels are made from the website http://www.bantrel.com/markets/popups/
images/Biofuels.png and show pupils the picture.
2. Explain that biofuels are fuels extracted from vegetables and beans and are used as alternative sources
of energy.

Option 2
Purpose: To engage pupils and evaluate their prior knowledge about renewable sources of energy
Resource: A video showing renewable sources of energy

1. Visit the website http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-video-8486013-renewable-energy-and-power-

montage-hd.php and show pupils the video on renewable sources of energy. Ask:
• What are renewable sources of energy? (energy sources that do not run out easily)

Explore (2nd E) Guided inquiry (5 min)

Purpose: To introduce the differences between limited energy sources and renewable energy sources
Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 15.6 on Textbook p. 46. Discuss possible answers.

Explain (3rd E) Teacher-directed discussion (30 min)

Purposes: To explain the different sources of alternative energy and their uses, the differences between
limited energy sources and renewable energy sources and the importance of energy conservation
Resource: Textbook

1. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 44. Use the pictures to explain the alternative sources of energy we can use
in place of fuels. Point out that energy from the Sun, running water, wind and biofuels are renewable sources
of energy that will not run out. Ask:
• Is the supply of fuels endless? (No, they cannot be easily replaced once they are used up.)
2. Explain the uses of alternative sources of energy. For example, some cars and vehicles run on electricity and
solar energy instead of fuels.
3. Explain that fuels are limited sources of energy which will run out once they are used up.
4. Recall that water is precious. We can conserve water by reducing, reusing and recycling.
5. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 46 and use the pictures to explain some ways by which we can conserve
energy.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy

Elaborate (4th E) Application to the real world (30 min)

Purpose: To apply knowledge of the differences between limited energy sources and renewable energy
sources and the importance of energy conservation
Resources: Textbook, Activity Book

1. Have pupils turn to the 'Extension1 section of Activity 15.2 on Activity Book p. 34. Explain that hydroelectric
energy is the electrical energy obtained from running water.
2. Have pupils complete the 'Extension1 section of Activity 15.2 on Activity Book pp. 34—35.
3. Discuss the answers to the 'Extension' section of Activity 15.2.
4. Have pupils look at the 'We Care' feature on Textbook p. 46. Encourage pupils to conserve energy in their
homes.

Evaluate (5th E) Assessment (10 min)

Purpose: To assess pupils' understanding of the lesson
Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 15.6 again. (Some sources of energy like fuels will run out once
they are used up but other sources of energy like solar energy and wind energy will not run out.)
2. Co through the 'Quick Check' question on Textbook p. 44. (solar energy, energy from running water, wind
energy and biofuels)
3. Summarise the unit by going through the concept map in 'At a glance' on Textbook p. 47. Ensure that pupils
have understood the unit by going through the 'Self-check' activity on Textbook p. 48.

Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Background information for teachers
All living things on the Earth get their energy directly or indirectly from the Sun. Without the Sun, plants
will not be able to produce food and all living things that depend on plants for food, either directly or
indirectly, will not be able to survive. Other sources of energy like wind and running water are also directly
or indirectly derived from the Sun. For example, wind is caused by the convection of air due to the uneven
heating of different parts of the Earth's surface by the Sun's heat.

energy
What are some sources of energy and their uses?
How is energy converted when we use these energy sources?
What are some sources of energy we can use as alternatives?
What are the safety precautions to observe when we use fuels?
What are limited and renewable energy sources?
Why do we need to conserve energy?

The kinetic energy of the

running water can be
used to turn the turbines
of a hydroelectric power
station. This in turn drives a
generator, which generates
The water rushing down this dam has a great amount of energy electrical energy.

• How can we use this energy?

• What are other sources of energy? •* Energy from the Sun, wind
Sources of energ
and tides.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy

 Background information for teachers
The Sun is our main source of energy. Plants use sunlight to make food during photosynthesis. When Man
and other animals feed on plants, they are indirectly using the Sun's energy. The Sun also provides heat and
light energy, making it suitable to sustain life on the Earth.

Enrichment for advanced learners

Geothermal energy is another source of energy. Have pupils find out how we can use this type of energy.
Ask:
• What is geothermal energy? (heat energy from the Earth's core)
• What is it used for? (To heat up underground water which is converted into steam when it reaches the
surface. This in turn is used to generate electricity.)

i
Energy cannot be created or Flashback ^ 15.1 Sources of energy
destroyed. However, it can be There are different forms of
transferred or converted from one energy. We can obtain . What are the sources of energy on the Earth?
different forms of energy
form into another. from many sources. The Sun is our main source of energy. Most of the energy
that we use comes from the Sun. Without the Sun, all living
things would die.
Key inquiry question:
The Sun, wind, running water Some other sources of energy are:
• running water.
and fuels. • wind.
• fuels.

Unit 15 ' 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Background information for teachers
Solar energy from the Sun is collected by solar cells and solar panels. The solar energy is converted into
electrical energy. Light energy from the Sun causes electrons or atomic particles to be released within
these solar cells. The movement of these electrons produces an electric current or electricity. Solar cells are
expensive to manufacture but scientists are able to develop new types of solar cells that can reduce the
cost of production.

Common misconception
Misconception: The Moon is a source of light energy.
Actual fact: The Moon does not give out its own light but reflects the light from the Sun.

15.2 Energy from the Sun

How do we make use of the energy from m,
f
When we eat food, our body
When we eat food from plants or
other animals, the energy stored in
uses the chemical potential them is transferred to us. Different
the Sun? JSm energy stored in food to do
work and keep ourselves plants store food in different parts,
Energy from the Sun is also called solar energy. Solar such as the leaves, fruits, roots,
energy consists of both heat and light energy. underground stems and seeds.
Plants use light energy from the Sun for photosynthesis.
This energy is converted into chemical potential energy in
the food made by plants. When Man and other animals eat •Key inquiry question:
plants, they are indirectly using the energy from the Sun. The Sun's energy is used by plants
to make food. Solar cells and solar
light energy from the Sun chemical potential energy panels collect the Sun's energy and
convert it into electrical energy.
We can use solar cells and solar panels to collect solar
energy. Solar cells on satellites and solar vehicles collect
light energy from the Sun. This light energy is converted
into electrical energy to be used by the satellites and
vehicles. Solar energy is also collected for use on calculators
and planes.

light energy from the Sun electrical energy

Solar panels are also used on rooftops to collect the Sun's

energy. This energy is used to heat up water and provide
electricity. The Sun also provides the heat to dry our
wet clothes.

Explfre One way is through a solar power

Generate possibilities tower, which consists of large,
What other ways do we use solar energy? movable mirrors that reflect the
Sun's rays towards a tower of
water. The water in the solar
power tower is heated to become
steam, which turns turbines
connected to generators that
produce electricity. Accept other
possible answers.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy

 Background information for teachers
Electrical energy generated from running water is called hydroelectric energy. It is produced by hydroelectric
power stations. These power stations make use of dams, which are tall concrete walls that hold back running
water from rivers or reservoirs. Thus, the water is collected at a great height. When this water is released
from the dam and flows to the power station through the intake tower, its gravitational potential energy is
converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy from the rushing water spins large turbines, which in turn
cause generators to rotate and produce electricity.

Gravitational potential energy 15.3 Energy from running water

is stored in an object above the Gravitational potential
ground. The higher an object is energy is stored in an How do we make use of the energy from
above the ground, the greater object above the ground.
Kinetic energy is the
running water? f
its gravitational potential energy. energy that an object in
Running water in rivers, streams and waterfalls is a source
motion has.
Since kinetic energy is the energy of energy.
that an object in motion has, a
stationary object does not have Hydroelectric power station
A dam is built across a river or reservoir. A hydroelectric
kinetic energy. power station makes use of a dam to hold back water so
that it can be collected at great heights. The large store of
water has a great amount of gravitational potential energy.
Key inquiry question: When the dam is opened, the water rushes down. The
gravitational potential energy of the water converts into
Kinetic energy of running water kinetic energy.
is used by a hydroelectric power
station and a wave power station gravitational potential
to generate electrical energy. energy of water

The kinetic energy of the running water turns the turbines.

Dam When the turbine spins, the generator generates electrical energy.

kinetic energy
of water

Electrical energy obtained from running water is known as

hydroelectric energy.

Unit 15 i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Enrichment for advanced learners
Energy or power obtained from running water is also called hydropower. Have pupils find out more about
hydropower and its uses. Ask:
• What is hydropower and how is it used? (Hydropower is energy or power obtained from running water.
It is used for the operation of machines such as watermills, sawmills and dock cranes.)

Wave power station

Waves can also be a good source of energy. The upward
and downward movement of the waves can be used to
generate electrical energy. A wave power station uses the
kinetic energy of the waves and converts it into electrical
energy.

«kinetic energy ot waves electrical energy

I Theflapsof this wove The kinetic energy of

""• power station move the water pumped
back and forth as waves in from the pipe
; move past them. turns the turbine
in the wave power
station and generates
The movement of electrical power.
the flaps drives these •A hydroelectric power station
pistons, which pump makes use of a dam to hold back
water into the station water, which has gravitational
through a pipe.
potential energy stored in it. Once
the water is released from a great
How does a hydroelectric
height, the kinetic energy of the
power station and wave running water turns the turbines,
power station use energy
from running water?
which in turn causes the generator
to turn and generate electrical
energy. A wave power station uses
the kinetic energy of waves and
Hydroelectric energy can also be produced in a similar way in tidal
converts it into electrical energy.
power stations. These make use of the energy from rising and falling
sea levels (tides) to generate electricity. Tidal wave power station
A tidal power station collects
seawater at a high tide. During a
Water flowing out
spins the turbine to
low tide, the water will flow out
The gate is
opened to let generate electricity.
When the tjfle falls
of the tidal power station, which
water in when the gate is closed to makes a turbine spin and causes
the tide rises. prevent water from the generator to turn and generate
escaping.
electricty.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy

 Background information for teachers
Man has been using energy from the wind for over five thousand years. Wind energy was first used to
move sailboats and sailing ships. Windmills have been used to pump water to farms and to grind grains
since the 7th century. Today, using energy from the wind to generate electricity and other useful purposes
has become an industry. It started in 1979, when manufacturers from Denmark began making wind turbines
in large numbers.

Reinforcement for struggling learners

Have pupils visit the website http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter16.html and learn more about
wind turbines. Ask:
• What is required for wind turbines to work efficiently? (The wind speed has to be high enough to make
the blades of the wind turbine turn and generate electricity.)

Key inquiry question:

A windmill uses the kinetic energy 15.4 Energy from wind
of the wind and converts it into
mechanical energy and electrical " How can we use energy from wind?
energy. A wind turbine also uses
Wind has kinetic energy. Windmills and wind farms use the
the kinetic energy of wind and energy from the wind.
converts it into electrical energy.
Windmills
Windmills convert the kinetic energy of the wind into
mechanical energy. As the windmill turns the kinetic energy
of the wind is converted into mechanical energy in the gear
system. This mechanical energy is used to grind food.

kinetic energy of wind JBBHi^W mechanical energy

Windmills also convert the kinetic energy of the wind

into electrical energy. This electrical energy is used to
generate electricity.

kinetic energy of wind

ind farms
the wind to grind grains. A wind farm has wind turbines. Wind turbines convert the
energy of the wind into electrical energy.

Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Backqround information for teachers
Fuels like coal, petrol and natural gas are also called fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are the remains of plant
and animals that lived long ago, which can date back to thousands and even millions of years. Fossil fuels
are non-renewable sources of energy because they take a very long time to form and they are being used
up at a faster rate than they can be replaced. The burning of fossil fuels can produce billions of tonnes of
carbon dioxide in a year. Carbon dioxide is one of the gases that contribute to global warming. Thus, the
need to use other sources of energy that are 'clean' and will not have any harmful by-products as well as
not cause much damage to the environment has become an increasing concern.

> 15.5 Energy from fuels Firnl hr»e <

EApnprc:** Fossils are the remains of living
How can we use energy from fuels? 1m
M
Communicate
things that lived thousands
of years ago and have been
Coal, oil and natural gas are
Fuels are another source of energy on the Earth. Coal, also called fossil fuels. How preserved in rocks. Coal comes
are they formed? ^•&""
petrol and natural gas are examples of fuels. All fuels store mainly from plants that grew
chemical potential energy in them. When fuels are burnt,
the chemical potential energy in the fuels is converted into
on the land. Oil and natural gas
heat and light energy. come from microscopic organisms
that lived in the sea. Accept other
chemical potential ^^^^ heat and light possible answers.
energy in fuels energy

Most power stations use fuels to generate electricity. Fuels Key inquiry question:
are also used for heating, cooking and running machines When fuels are burnt, the chemical
and vehicles.
potential energy that is stored in
them is converted into heat and
light energy. Most power stations
use fuels to generate electricity.

Cbahs cpllected from

underground mines.

It is converted into heat and

light energy.
When fuels are burnt, what
happens to the chemical
potential energy in them?

1
2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.11
 Common misconception
Misconception: Charcoal is the same as coal.
Actual fact: Charcoal consists of impure carbon and is obtained by removing water and other materials
from animal and plant substances. On the other hand, coal is a fuel formed from the fossils
of plants that grew on the land thousands of years ago.

Enrichment for advanced learners

Have pupils find out more about the effects of using fuels. Ask:
• When fuels are burnt, which harmful gases that can damage the Earth are released into the atmosphere?
(sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide)

Alternative sources of energy

The supply of fuels is not endless and can easily decrease,
so we need to use other sources of energy as alternatives.
Solar energy, energy from running water and wind energy
are some alternative sources of energy.

For example, there are cars and vehicles that run on electricity
and solar energy instead of petrol or diesel oil.

Also, biofuels extracted from vegetables and beans are

used as alternative sources of energy.

Solar energy, energy from running

water, wind energy and biofuels. What are other sources
of energy we can use as
alternatives to fuels?

44 Unit 15

15.12 Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 We should use tongs and wear
We must handle objects
gloves when handling objects
that produce heat and that produce heat and objects
objects that are hot properly
so as to avoid getting hurt.
that are hot.

Liquid fuels give off combustible

Communicate vapours and are fire and safety
What other safety hazards. They should be kept
precautions must we take
when using fuels? Discuss. outside the house at all times.
1*" . Accept other possible answers.
Store liquid fuels like petrol in
a cool and dry place such as a
garage. They must be stored
away from the Sun to
avoid being heated up
and starting fire.

Charcoff meant for

outdoor barbeqye use
should not be used
indoors because oj
the poisonous
tomes they f <
We should not light up may emit.
matches or ptay with
sparklers neatf«
areas where -;
fuels are stored.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.13
 Background information for teachers
Fossil fuels cannot be replaced at the same rate that they are being used up. As a result, fossil fuels are
increasingly expensive to harness, as their supply is not endless. The production costs of mining and
drilling for fossil fuels have also escalated. On the other hand, other sources of energy such as energy
from the Sun, running water and wind are renewable energy sources and can be harnessed with less cost.
Also, when fossil fuels are burnt, they produce gases such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon
dioxide, which can be harmful to the environment. On the other hand, renewable energy sources are
relatively pollution-free. Thus, the need to use 'clean' and renewable energy sources as well as energy
conservation is vital.

Enrichment for advanced learners

Have pupils find out more about the energy conservation efforts in their own country and present their
findings to the class.

We can reduce the amount of 15.6 Limited and renewable sources

water we use by taking showers Water is precious. We can of energy
rather than having a bath. We can conserve water by reducing,

reuse water by collecting water

used after washing clothes to wash
reusing and recycling.
r Can all our sources of energy last forever?

Fuels such as coal, oil, petrol and natural gas are limited
the toilet floors. We can recycle -H/Ve Cafe sources of energy. They do not last forever. These sources
water by recycling water collected We can help to conserve
of energy will run out once they are used up.
from rainwater to wash our cars. energy in our home. Remember
to turn off the lights when no Renewable sources of energy will not run out. Energy from
one is in the room. the Sun, running water, wind and biofuels are examples of
renewable sources of energy.
Key inquiry question:
Some sources of energy like fuels Conserving energy
Supply of limited sources of energy such as fuels can run
will run out once they are used up out and easily decrease. Thus, we need to learn how to
but other sources of energy like conserve energy. We should consider using other possible
solar energy and wind energy will choices such as renewable sources of energy as they are
not run out. limitless and will not run out.

Here are some ways we can conserve energy.

Light bulbs only use about

10%—15% of the electricity
to produce light and the rest is
converted into heat. Turning the
lights off will also help to keep a
room cooler.

- At home, we can draw the curtains to close

them and keep out the heat from the Sun
instead of turning the air-conditioner on.
We can also turn off electrical appliances
when they are not in use.

15.14 Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.15
 1. fuels
2. solar
1. The Sun is our main source of energy and most of the energy we use come from the Sun.
3. solar
4. kinetic Other sources of energy besides the Sun are running water, wind and
5. mechanical
2. Energy from the Sun is called - _ energy which consists of both heat and
6. fuels light energy.
7. chemical potential
8. alternatives 3. We use _ cells and panels to collect energy from the Sun. This energy is
converted into electrical energy.
9. renewable
10. conserve 4. Running water in rivers, streams and waterfalls is a source of energy. The

energy of running water is converted into electrical energy in

hydroelectric power stations.

5. Wind has kinetic energy. Windmills and wind turbines convert this energy

into energy and electrical energy.

6. Coal, petrol and natural gas are examples of

7. When fuels are burnt, the . energy in

them is converted into heat and light energy.

8. As the supply of fuels is limited, we need to use other sources of energy as .

9. Fuels are a limited source of energy while energy from the Sun, running water wind and biof uels

are

10. We must use energy wisely in order to ; energy.

More Science words ««*/ Science Glossary

Electrons: Subatomic particles Biof uels : Alternative source of energy Limited : Will run out, cannot last forever
which carry a negative charge extracted from vegetables and
Limitless : Will never run out
beans
Geothermal energy: Heat Mechanical : Sum of potential energy and
Conserve To save and prevent loss of energy kinetic energy from akinetic
energy from the Earth's core mechanical system
Dam Large wait that holds back
running water from flowing down Renewable : Ability to recover and be
Fuels Materials used to provide energy used again

Hydroelectric : Electrical energy obtained Reservoir : Natural or man-made place where

water is collected
energy from running water
Hydroelectric : Station that uses running Solar energy : Energy from the Sun
power station water to generate energy

15.16 Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Before you carry out
the activity

Activity 15.1 Water wheel Pupils should have been taught

• Running water possesses
kinetic energy.
Process skills
• A hydroelectric power station
Communicate : the knowledge of energy conversion using a model makes use of a dam to
Infer : the energy conversion that occurs when a water wheel is made to turn
hold back water, which has
gravitational potential energy
stored in it. Once the water is
Aim: To infer the energy conversion that takes place in a simple water wheel
when it is placed under running water
released, the kinetic energy
of the running water turns the
Materials: A pair of scissors, a paper cup, a pencil, some adhesive gum turbines, which in turn cause
the generator to turn and
generate electrical energy.
• A wave power station uses
A / A the kinetic energy of waves
1. Use the scissors to cut four triangular
slits down the sides of the paper cup
and converts it into electrical
towards the base. Throw these four energy.
pieces away. pieces to be
thrown away
Where to obtain or buy
the materials
• The pairs of scissors and
pencils can be bought from the
base of cup stationery shop.
2. Press the remaining pieces down so
that the cup looks like an open flower. • The paper cups and some
adhesive gum can be bought
from the supermarket.

corner of blade -
Tips and time-savers
3. For each blade, bend the corner. Your
finished product should look like a
water wheel.
• Prepare the required number
of sets of materials for
each pupil before the activity.
blade

30 Unit 15

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.17
 Safety precautions
• Ensure that pupils are careful
when using the scissors. 4. Poke a pencil through the centre of the
Always cover the sharp edges base of the cup and use the adhesive
pencil
gum to secure the end.
of the scissors by storing it in
its plastic cover when not in
use. 5. Turn on a tap. Then hold your water wheel
under the running water. Observe what
happens.
adhesive gum

Notes on observations
and results 6. Turn the tap again to allow more water to flow
onto the water wheel. Observe what happens.
Explain to pupils that a water
wheel is not the same as a
windmill. A water wheel uses
the kinetic energy of running
1. What happens to the water wheel as you hold it under running water?
water while a windmill uses
the kinetic energy of wind. The water wheel turns.
Guide pupils to infer the
2. What happens when you turn the tap to allow more water to flow?
energy conversion that takes
place in the simple water The greater the flow of water, the faster the water wheel turns.
wheel when it is placed under
running water.

Explain why the above happens in terms of energy conversion.

The kinetic energy of the running water is converted into kinetic energy in the water wheel.

This causes the wafer wheel to move.

Water wheels use the energy 0|runnjng water jn rivers or streams.

rnove
This energy causes the water wheel to and in turn grind nuts,

seeds or grains.

Sources of energy 31

15.18 Unit 15 ' 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd
 Enrichment for advanced learners
Energy or power obtained from wind is also called wind power. Besides windmills and wind turbines, some
other uses of wind power include wind pumps for pumping water and sails to propel ships. Ask:
• What is wind power? Name other uses of wind power. (Wind power is energy or power obtained from
wind energy. It is used in water pumps for pumping water and sails to propel ships.)

Before you carry out

the activity
Pupils should have been taught
Activity 15.2 Making a simple windmill
• Wind has kinetic energy.
Process skills'
• Windmills convert the
kinetic energy of wind into
Communicate : the knowledge of energy conversion using a model mechanical energy and
Infer : the energy conversion when a windmill is made to rotate
electrical energy.
• Wind turbines convert the
Aim: To infer the energy conversion that takes place as a simple windmill rotates
kinetic energy of wind into
Materials: A piece of square paper, a pair of scissors, a straw, some adhesive gum, electrical energy.
a piece of wire, an eraser
Where to obtain or buy
the materials
• The pieces of square paper,
pairs of scissors and erasers
1. Draw two diagonal lines on the piece of square paper. Make holes in the centre and can be bought from a
corners of the paper as shown below. The hole in the centre should fit a straw. Draw a
stationery shop.
circle around the centre hole.
• The straws and some adhesive
gum can be bought from a
supermarket.
• The pieces of wire can be
bought from a sundry
circle centre hole shop or obtained from the
Science laboratory in school.

Tips and time-savers

• Prepare the required number
of sets of materials for
each pupil before the activity.

2. Cut along the diagonal lines from the corners until the lines
Safety precautions
touch the circle around the centre hole. Then fold the corners
inwards so that the holes coincide with the centre hole. • Ensure that pupils handle the
scissors with care. Always
cover the sharp edges by
storing it in its plastic cover
32 Unit 15
when not in use.

i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.19
Safety precautions
Ensure that pupils are careful
with the wire and do not poke 3. Push the straw through the holes and use the adhesive gum to secure the end. Then
themselves or each other with insert a wire through the straw and attach the other end of the wire to an eraser.
the sharp ends.
adhesive gum

Notes on observations
and results
• Guide pupils to infer the
energy conversion that takes
place as a simple windmill
rotates.
4. Turn on an electric fan. Then hold the windmill you have made, to face the wind.
Observe what happens.

5. Increase the speed of the electric fan. Observe what happens.

1. What happens to the windmill when it faces wind?

••

2. What happens when the wind is stronger?

The stronger the wind, the faster the windmill rotates.

Question^)
Explain why the above happens in terms of energy conversion.

The kinetic energy of the wind is changed to the kinetic energy of the windmill, causing it

to rotate.

ConclusiotT)

Windmills use the. kinetic energy . of wind.

Sources of energy 33

Unit 15 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Enrichment for advanced learners
Have pupils find out if hydroelectric power stations are really environmentally-friendly. Ask:
• Do hydroelectric power stations cause pollution to the surrounding environment? (Yes. When dams are
built across rivers, the surrounding areas will become flooded or be submerged in water. The natural
habitat of plants and animals may also be destroyed. Accept other possible answers.)

Notes on answers
• Have pupils refer to Textbook
p. 40 if they are unable to
Extension! answer the questions.
1. The diagram below shows a hydroelectric power station.

powerhouse

(a) Write down the energy conversions that occur in the hydroelectric power station.

potential energy of WQter jn the reservoir -* kinetic energy of

water in the pipe -+ kinetic energy of ,heturbjne _

electrical energy ingenerator

(b) Why is hydroelectric energy a better alternative than fuels for generating electrical
energy?

There is an unlimited supply of hydroelectric energy. / Hydroelectric energy does

not cause pollution. Fuels are limited while hydroeletric energy is renewable.

(c) Are hydroelectric power stations used all over the world to provide power
for homes? Why?

No. The water catchment areas in some countries may be too small.

A hydroelectric power station will not work well with insufficient water.

34 Unit 15

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.21
Enrichment for advanced learners
• Wind turbines can cause pollution to the surrounding environment. Have pupils find out if wind turbines
are pollution-free and discuss their findings. (The spinning blades of wind turbines can be noisy and cause
noise pollution.)

Notes on answers
Have pupils refer to Textbook
p. 42 if they are unable to 2. The diagram shows a wind turbine. Wind turbines can be found in Germany, Spain,
answer the questions. United States and India.

gears

wind

generator

tower

la) Write down the energy conversions that occur in the wind turbine.

kin^c energy of wind - kinetic energy of rotors and

gears -. electrical energy jn generator

(b) What are the factors that will affect the electrical energy output from the turbine?

Wind speed, size of rotors and number of rotors.

(cl What is the advantage of using wind as a source of energy?

There is an unlimited supply of this form of energy. / It does not cause pollution.

Id) What is a disadvantage of using wind as a energy source?

The supply and direction of wind are unpredictable.

Sources of energy 35

Unit 15 ' 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

 Notes

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Sources of energy 15.23
Notes

Unit 15 i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd