Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary | Undergraduate Programs in Education

Lesson Overview

Dates March 2025 Subject Science (Energy)
Grade Level Grade 2 Length 60 Minutes
Unit Energy & Movement Lesson # 1
Teacher Lucas Johnson

Identify Desired Results

Learner Outcomes

  • Understand energy as the ability to cause change or do work (movement).
  • Identify kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy).
  • Recognize light and sound as forms of energy transfer.

Objective (Student-Friendly)

  • I Know: Energy makes things move and change.
  • I Understand: Energy can change forms (e.g., potential to kinetic).
  • I Can: Identify examples of kinetic and potential energy in daily activities.

Assessment Strategies

Formative:

  • Observe predictions and tests at experiment stations.
  • Exit slips: Identify one example of energy conversion observed today.
  • Journal entry: Draw where potential and kinetic energy were present in the activity.

Differentiated Learning & Resources

Resources

  • Balloon, balls, rubber bands
  • Bells, shakers, drums
  • Flashlights
  • Science Journals

Personalization

  • Challenge: Trace multiple energy conversions (e.g., food -> muscle -> kinetic).
  • Support: Sentence starters for journal entries and picture cues.
  • Engagement: High-interest toys and visual timers for rotations.

Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction and Hook (5 min)

  • Balloon Pop & Explanation: Release an inflated balloon. Ask: "What made the balloon move so quickly?" Discuss potential energy turning into kinetic energy.

2. Explicit Instruction (10 min)

  • Define Energy as the ability to do work.
  • Introduce Kinetic Energy (motion) and Potential Energy (stored/height).
  • Demonstrate energy transfer through light and sound (lamp, bell).

3. Learning/Activity Sequence (30 min)

Stations Activity Energy Type
Sound Station Using drums and shakers to create vibrations. Kinetic -> Sound
Elastic Station Stretching rubber bands and observing release. Potential -> Kinetic
Light Station Testing different flashlights and reflectors. Chemical -> Light

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (15 min)

  • Class discussion on energy seen in the room.
  • Completion of "Energy Conversion" diagrams in journals.

Glossary

  • Energy: Like a power-up; what makes things move or change.
  • Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion (anything moving).
  • Potential Energy: Stored energy (waiting to be used).
  • Vibration: A super fast back-and-forth wiggle that makes sound.