Conservation of Energy
Understand the fundamental principle that energy can be transferred, stored, or dissipated, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
About This Topic
Understand the fundamental principle that energy can be transferred, stored, or dissipated, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
Key Questions
- Explain the principle of conservation of energy.
- Analyse how energy is 'wasted' or dissipated, often as thermal energy, in most transfers.
- Justify why no device can ever be more than 100% efficient.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Activities & Teaching Strategies
See all activities
Planning templates for Combined Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
Unit PlannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
RubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Energy
Energy Stores and Systems
Identify the main energy stores, such as kinetic, thermal, and gravitational potential, and understand how to define a system for analysis.
8 methodologies
Energy Transfers
Explore the four ways energy can be transferred between stores: mechanically (by a force), electrically (by an electric current), by heating, or by radiation (light and sound).
8 methodologies
Work, Power, and Efficiency
Learn to calculate the work done by a force, understand power as the rate of energy transfer, and calculate the efficiency of devices.
8 methodologies
Thermal Energy Transfer
Investigate the processes of conduction, convection, and radiation, and explain how they transfer thermal energy.
8 methodologies
Energy Resources
Compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources, considering their reliability, environmental impact, and role in the UK's energy supply.
8 methodologies