this is an introduction activity that we do and the kids love it!

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this is an introduction activity that we do and the kids love it!
By Kim

We teach the forms of energy by teaching SCREAM. Take the time to introduce each form of energy by giving examples of each form.

Sound
Chemical
Radiant
Electrical
Atomic
Mechanical

Then I have a student
play a "clucking chicken". It's a styrofoam cup with a tiny hole in the bottom. Put thread through the hole. Tie a paper clip to the thread so that it sits outside the cup. Use a wet paper towel to slide down the thread on the inside of the cup. It should squeak or cluck. If it doesn't make sense email me and I can send you a picture of it
Have the students try to tell you in order

the energy used to play the clucking chicken. First thing that they notice is the sound. Then the sound was made by using mechanical energy (moving her arm). She was able to move her arm because of chemical energy (the breakfast burning up in her stomach). She had chemical energy because of light energy from the sun (plants needed the light to grow). Then the last one is atomic energy (in order for the sun to give off light, there were atomic explosions on the sun).

I have the students that gave the answers for each form of energy stand at the front of the room. Have them form a train by putting their hands on the person in front of them.

chicken clucker (sound) - mechanical - chemical - radiant - atomic

Time the students to see how quickly they can tell the class the kinds of energy in order needed to play the chicken clucker. Each person says their form of energy:

Atomic energy changes to...
Radiant energy changes to...
Chemical energy changes to...
Mechanical energy changes to...
Chicken clucker plays.

I also have them make energy chains (paper chains with different forms of energy represented by different colors of construction paper) showing how energy changes or making lists of energy used by certain appliances.

Hope some of this helps