What Makes Things Happen? [microform] : Study Guide. Unit B. ZIM-SCI, Zimbabwe Secondary School Science Project / Peter Dube

The Zimbabwe Secondary School Science Project (ZIM-SCI) developed student study guides, corresponding teaching guides, and science kits for a low-cost science course which could be taught during the first 2 years of secondary school without the aid of qualified teachers and conventional laboratories. This ZIM-SCI study guide presents activities and experiments for a 2-week unit on energy. The unit starts by asking students to observe what is happening around them and relates these observations to energy. This is followed by experiments on heat, light, kinetic (motion), electrical, and potential (stored) energy. After these experiments have been completed, the concepts of energy conversions and energy chains are established. Sources of energy are then discussed, starting with food, then coal and oil, and their origin traced to the sun. A final section focuses on alternative energy sources (hydroelectricity and solar energy). Two summaries are included to highlight the important aspects of the unit. Information to help students understand the scientific principles behind the activities and experiments is also provided. (JN)