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Science · Grade 7

Energy in Systems and Reactions

Learners use data to describe how kinetic energy depends on mass and speed, and treat potential energy as energy stored by the arrangement of interacting objects, calculating gravitational potential energy as weight × height. They account for energy as it is transferred and converted, including the share that spreads into the surroundings. They then classify reactions and processes as exothermic or endothermic from temperature data and finish by evaluating hand-warmer and cold-pack prototypes against criteria and constraints.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 120 minutes
  • Energy in systems and reactions check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, draw a graph, plot points, label a picture, match pairs and type a number
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What learners will discover

  • Use data and graphs to describe how kinetic energy depends on mass (proportionally) and on speed (doubling the speed makes it four times as large).
  • Explain potential energy as energy stored by the arrangement of interacting objects (gravitational, elastic, magnetic, chemical) and calculate gravitational potential energy as weight × height.
  • Trace energy transfers and conversions in a system, account for the energy that spreads to the surroundings, and argue that a change in kinetic energy means energy was transferred.
  • Classify reactions and processes as exothermic or endothermic from temperature-change data, describing the direction of energy flow between the system and its surroundings.
  • Define criteria and constraints for a hand warmer or cold pack and use test data to choose and improve a design.

Lessons

  1. Kinetic energy: mass and speed 8 steps4 practiceabout 20 min
  2. Potential energy: energy stored by arrangement 9 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Energy transfers and conversions 9 steps6 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Exothermic and endothermic changes 9 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Design challenge: hand warmers and cold packs 7 steps4 practiceabout 20 min
  6. Energy in systems and reactions check 11 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.
  • River MysterySomething changed the river. Sample sites with a limited budget, follow the evidence and find where the change begins.

More 7th grade science

Guide for grown-ups