From the Sun to the Exhaust Pipe - The Path That Energy Takes
When you throw a ball or flip on a light switch, where did that energy come from? The
class creates a flow chart that shows the path that energy takes as it goes from the core
of the sun, to the Earth and is used to power us and our modern civilization.
Goal: to create a one page document, 8 ½ x 11, that
shows the energy transformation that occur in your chosen area on the flow
chart below.
Day 1: Energy transformation primer. Review energy types and create a sample energy transformation.
Then, your group chooses one area of study from the chart below. Determine the types of energy
transformations and draw them on the other side of this sheet. Pass in your work.
Day 2: In Google docs or MS-Word, create a one page document that explains your piece of the process.
Day 3: Starting with the sun, student teams will present their area to the rest of the class.
Day 4: Trace the path energy takes from the Sun all the way to a thrown baseball.
Sun
Space
Atmosphere
Photosythesis Solar Water
Cells Cycle
Fossil
Food Fuels Hydroelectric
Internal Combustion
People
Engine
Names:______________________________________________ Date:____________ Period:________
Chosen Area of study:______________________________________________________________
Make your energy transformation flow chart in the space below. Turn in at the end of class.
Energy Transformation Rubric
Category Concerns: Criteria: Advanced:
Max 5 points Areas that need work Project standards and Evidence that
per category expectations. 4 points awarded expectations are
20 pts possible is If all standards are met. exceeded.
Working and on task
Project completed on time.
Students clearly worked hard
Effort and contributed equally.
2 visuals, including
1. Student generated flow
chart or Sankey diagram.
Visuals 2. Picture or diagram. If copied,
source provided next to
diagram.
Visuals are appropriate and support
explanations.
Shows at least 3 types of energy
Explains how the energy
transformations happen
Explanations are concise, clear
Explanations and correct.
Typed, neat and organized.
2 sources provided on page in
APA or MLA format.
Students clearly explain their
energy transformations.
Both students participate in
explanation.
Presentation Students do not read directly off
the sheet.
Students elaborate on
information on the sheet.