Back to the Source
This activity shows that energy comes from many different sources. We use these sources in different ways to release the energy stored inside. It shows how different sources release energy and how it is transferred into different types of energy.
Chain 1
The sun shines.
Grass uses the energy in sunlight to grow.
Cows eat the grass to get energy to grow and produce milk.
We and their calves drink the milk.
We use the energy from the food to grow and move.
Chain 2
Coal is used in power stations as fuel.
Burning coal heats water, which produces steam.
Moving steam turns a turbine.
The spinning turbine produces electricity (by turning coils of copper wire through a magnetic field).
Electricity travels down power cables to be used in your school or home.
Chain 3
The wind blows.
The wind turns the blades on the wind turbines.
The spinning turbine produces electricity (by turning coils of copper wire through a magnetic field).
Electricity travels down power cables to be used to cook your dinner.
