Energy Sources

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In this activity about the relationship between food and energy (page 5 of PDF), learners conduct an experiment to compare how much energy is released as heat from two different foods. This activity introduces learners to the concept of "calorie" and allows them to compare the relative amounts of energy in similar-sized portions of a carbohydrate-based food (oat cereal) and a food rich in oils (pecan). This guide includes background information, setup and management tips, a link to a NASA Connect online episode, extensions, and a handout. Note: this activity involves an open flame; learners should wear goggles and conduct the activity on a nonflammable, flat surface.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Prepared soft drink can (see Setup)
  • Pencil (to be used as a holder for can)
  • Graduated cylinder or beaker
  • 6-in. thermometer (Celsius)
  • 2 pieces of round unsweetened oat cereal ("Cheerios")
  • 1/2 pecan (without shell)
  • Large paper clips
  • 2-cm piece of clay
  • Matches or birthday candles
  • Safety goggles
  • Water
  • Copy of student sheet (p. 7 of PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Ecology
      • Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
    • Human Body
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Energy
    • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Moreno, Nancy P. ; Clayton, Sonia Rahmati ; Cutler, Paula H. ; Young, Martha S. ; Tharp, Barbara Z.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Baylor College of Medicine, 2009

Funding Source:

  • NASA, NCC9-58