Energy | Small Group
In this small-group lesson, students will explore energy as the ability to make things move, light up, or make sound. Through simple, hands-on activities, children will observe energy in action using familiar objects and movements.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Energy | The power that makes things move, light up, or make sound. |
| Move | To change place or position. |
| Light | Something we can see that helps us look around. |
| Sound | Something we hear. |
Show a flashlight, drum, and toy car. Ask simple questions: "What do you notice?" and "What can this do?" Introduce the word energy in kid-friendly language.
Look, listen, and share observations using words or gestures.
Demonstrate a toy car or ball. Roll it gently and explain that energy can make things move. Use tape on the floor as a finish line for a quick roll-and-watch activity.
Take turns rolling the toy and watching it move.
Turn on the flashlight. Explain that energy can make light. Cover and uncover the flashlight to show the light changing.
Observe the light and say whether it is on or off.
Use a drum or rhythm instrument. Tap softly and then more strongly. Explain that energy can make sound.
Listen closely, then imitate the rhythm or make a sound with the instrument.
Show picture cards and help students sort them into move, light, or sound. Prompt students to explain choices with simple sentences.
Sort pictures with support and say one reason for each choice.
Give paper and crayons. Ask students to draw one thing that uses energy to move, light up, or make sound.
Draw and share their picture with the group.
Review the three ideas: energy can make things move, light up, and make sound. Ask students to point to the object that showed each type of energy. End with a quick group chant: "Energy helps things move, light, and sound!"
Use teacher observation during activities and picture sorting to assess whether students can recognize examples of energy and describe them with simple words or actions.