Nothing happens without energy. It makes things move, glow, heat up and make noise — and it is always changing from one form into another. On Energy Island, Year 4 scientists spot energy at work and ask where it comes from.
What your child will learn
- Name forms of energy: light, heat, sound, movement, electrical and stored energy
- Describe simple energy changes, such as electricity to light in a lamp
- Tell renewable energy sources from non-renewable ones
- Suggest ways to save energy
Energy changes form
Energy is never used up; it changes. A toaster turns electrical energy into heat. A drum turns movement into sound. The food you eat is stored energy that your body turns into movement and warmth.
Where energy comes from
Coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels. They took millions of years to form, so once burned they are gone — and burning them pollutes the air. Sunlight, wind and moving water are renewable: they will not run out.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. What gives a torch (flashlight) its energy?
🔦- Sand
- Batteries
- Water
- Wind
Show answer
Answer: Batteries. Batteries store energy until the torch is switched on.
2. What kind of energy does a drum make?
🥁- Food energy
- Electricity
- Sound
- Light
Show answer
Answer: Sound. Hitting a drum makes it vibrate, and that makes sound.
3. What kind of energy does a moving car have?
- Only sound energy
- No energy
- Food energy
- Movement energy
Show answer
Answer: Movement energy. Anything that moves has movement (kinetic) energy.
Tips for grown-ups
- Walk round your home naming the energy change in each appliance.
- Look for solar panels and wind turbines when you are out and about.
- Make a family “switch it off” list and tick it for a week.