Workshop- ENERGY Gets It Done

Workshop: ENERGY Gets It Done

Museum Connections: Exploring the Tom Hunt Energy Hall

Today we explored the Tom Hunt Energy Hall to discuss where our energy comes from, types of resources, and the extraction of resources. I really enjoyed connecting middle school TEKS to the exhibit topics. I took in depth notes on pre-field trip materials, the ideas I encountered during the field trip and post-field trip activities I might use. My favorite new concept was catalytic reforming of hydrocarbon molecules. This is a way the shape of the hydrocarbon molecules get changed without altering the number of carbon atoms.

Museum Connections: Types of Energy, Forms of Energy and Energy Transformations

During group work we used hands-on models to demonstrate the types of energy and energy transformations. I really enjoyed talking about the different types of non-mechanical energy: thermal, sound, chemical, radiant, molecular and electrical.

STEM Connections: Guest Speaker- Guido Paparoni, Subsurface Manager with KOSMOS Energy

Mr. Paparoni explained real life examples of the discovery of oil and gas. During his presentation he showed us an experiment using a voltmeter demonstrating the resistivity of oil versus saltwater. I was really interested in how this technique is used in wells to detect oil and gas.

Classroom Connections: Secondary Science

Transformation of Energy During Digestion-

This lesson represented digestion with hydrogen peroxide and beef liver. Heat was released through chemical digestion.

Magnetic Motors-

I created a motor using strong magnets, a battery, and different compositions of metal wire. Different wires responded to the magnetic field differently. These responses were compared to determine conductivity of the wires.

Geo Box-

This box was used to demonstrate a lesson on convection. We used a candle and incense to show how the air movement forms winds.