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Energy Transformations — Reading Comprehension

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MS-PS3-5

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This engaging middle school science passage explores the concept of energy transformations, aligning with NGSS standards MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-2, and MS-PS3-5. Students will learn how energy changes between forms—such as chemical, thermal, electrical, and kinetic energy—through real-world examples like car engines, flashlights, photosynthesis, and the human body. The passage explains the underlying mechanisms of energy transfer, highlights observable phenomena, and connects these concepts to broader scientific principles and societal implications. Designed for grades 6-8, the resource also includes differentiated reading levels, Spanish translations, a glossary, and multimedia supports. Interactive activities, multiple-choice quizzes, and graphic organizers help reinforce learning and foster deeper understanding. Audio integration aids accessibility for diverse learners. This resource is ideal for classroom instruction, homework, or independent study, making science both accessible and relevant.

CONTENT PREVIEW

energy-3 — Energy constantly changes from one form to another

Energy is present everywhere, powering every action and process on Earth. When a car speeds down the highway, a flashlight lights up a dark room, or a plant grows in sunlight, energy is changing from one form to another. These changes, called energy transformations, drive the systems we rely on daily. Understanding how and why energy changes form is essential for explaining the workings of both natural and technological systems.

How Energy Changes Form
Energy can exist in multiple forms: chemical energy (stored in fuels and food), kinetic energy (energy of motion), thermal energy (heat), electrical energy, and light energy. When energy is transformed, it moves from one type to another through a series of steps. For example, in a car engine, gasoline holds chemical energy. This energy is released during combustion, producing thermal energy, which then pushes pistons to generate kinetic energy—the car's movement. Not all the energy becomes motion; some is lost as heat and sound, illustrating that transformations are not 100% efficient. In fact, about 70% of the chemical energy in gasoline is lost as heat.

Examples of Energy Transformations
Energy transformations are everywhere. In a flashlight, chemical energy in the battery is first changed into electrical energy when the circuit is completed. The bulb then transforms electrical energy into light energy, which we see, and thermal energy, which we can feel if the bulb gets warm. In plants, photosynthesis captures light energy from the Sun and transforms it into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. When you eat food, your body breaks down these molecules to release chemical energy, which is then transformed into thermal energy (to keep you warm) and kinetic energy (to move your muscles).

Energy Chains and Systems
These transformations can be represented as energy chains. For example: Car: chemical → thermal → kinetic; Flashlight: chemical → electrical → light (+ thermal); Photosynthesis: light → chemical; Eating: chemical → kinetic + thermal. In each system, energy is conserved, meaning the total amount does not change, but the usefulness or availability of energy decreases, often as heat. Understanding these chains helps us design more efficient technologies and manage resources wisely. For example, improving how engines convert fuel to motion can reduce pollution and save energy.

Energy transformations also connect to bigger scientific ideas. They explain why we need to eat, how plants grow, and why machines get hot when they work. Scientists study these processes using experiments, measurements, and computer models to develop new materials, renewable energy sources, and sustainable solutions for the future.

Interesting Fact:
Every time energy changes form, some is lost as heat—this is why machines and even our own bodies can never be perfectly efficient!

What is an energy transformation?

The process of energy changing from one form to anotherThe movement of objects from place to placeThe production of electricity from batteriesThe storage of energy in food

Which form of energy is stored in gasoline?

Kinetic energyChemical energyElectrical energyThermal energy

During photosynthesis, plants transform which type of energy into chemical energy?

Thermal energyKinetic energyLight energyElectrical energy

According to the passage, what percentage of chemical energy in gasoline is typically lost as heat?

10%30%50%70%

What does it mean when energy is 'conserved' in a system?

Energy disappears after use.The total amount of energy stays the same even if it changes form.All energy becomes heat.Energy can only be stored, not used.

What is the main reason machines and our bodies are not perfectly efficient?

Energy is always lost as heat in each transformation.Chemical energy cannot be used.Motion uses up all the energy.Light energy is more powerful.

In a flashlight, which form of energy is NOT involved in the transformation chain?

Chemical energyElectrical energyNuclear energyLight energy

How can understanding energy transformations help us in society?

By designing more efficient technologiesBy wasting more resourcesBy stopping energy from being conservedBy only using one type of energy

True or False: Energy can be created or destroyed during transformations.

TrueFalse

True or False: The energy we get from food is first chemical energy.

TrueFalse