How do science concepts apply to your world? Here are some questions you'll be able to answer after you read this chapter.

• Why does a basketball bounce higher than a slice of bread?
• How can an object from space damage a car?
• How do gulls use energy conversion to obtain food?
• How do pole vaulters propel themselves high into the air?
• How can the wind be used to light a bulb?
• How are roller coasters designed to be both safe and thrilling?

How Can Energy Change Form?

Procedure

1. Examine a flashlight, a solar calculator, and a wind-up toy. Determine how each object operates.
2. Record the name of each object, the source of the energy that it requires, and the kind of energy it produces. For example, does the object require or produce electricity or light?

Think About It

1. Classifying   What was the source of energy for each object?
2. Inferring   What form of energy did each object produce?
3. Drawing Conclusions   How did energy change form in each object? For example, did any of the objects convert light into another form of energy?