Lesson Plan
Five Forms of Energy
Introduce concept
1. Introduce the 5 Forms of Energy – “Mench”
Suggestion: Draw an odd character to represent the “Mench” acronym... My
students remember information better if an illustration and acronym are used.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Mechanical
Electromagnetic
Nuclear
Chemical
Heat
2. Name each form and write bullet points of definitions on board. Ask
students to give examples as you name them. Challenge them to give
examples found in the classroom
a. Mechanical: Energy that involves movement, object in motion
Examples; windmill, moving bicycle
b. Electromagnetic: “Light” energy., caused by moving electrons in the
atom
Examples: power lines carry it to appliances, lights
c. Nuclear: Atoms split and release energy or atom nuclei collide and
fuse together
Examples: nuclear reactors, bombs, sun producing heat and
light
d. Chemical: Released when atoms bond together
Examples: food, petroleum
e. Heat: Vibration and motion of the atoms in objects
Examples: gas stoves, water heaters
Activity
1. After the 5 forms of energy have been introduced, assign a form of energy
to each set of lab partners (pairs).
2. The lab partners have 5 minutes to choose an example of the assigned form
of energy and figure out how to act out the example of their form of energy.
Examples: eating a hamburger, driving a car, Earth rotating around the sun
that is providing sunlight.
3. Partners have 10-15 seconds to act out the form of energy while the class
guesses.
Classroom Management Tool
Classroom management is maintained because students need to pay attention in
order to complete homework.
Homework
On a separate piece of paper, name ten of the examples acted out in class and the
form of energy demonstrated.
Created by J. Slinkard