Grades 6–8 · 8 connected explanations
Energy & Motion
Follow energy through electricity, heat and moving matter. Connect a car engine and an ocean circulation pattern without assuming they use the same mechanism.
Materials & Matter
How does a solar cell turn light into electricity?
A solar cell converts some incoming light energy into electrical energy.
Systems
How can solar energy and a battery meet a changing need?
Storage and changing demand affect when collected energy can be used.
Machines
How does a generator turn motion into electricity?
A generator connects mechanical movement with an electrical output.
Machines
How does a gasoline engine turn burning fuel into motion?
A gasoline engine converts some fuel energy into useful motion.
Machines
How does a refrigerator move heat?
A refrigerator uses an energy input to move heat between places.
Earth & Space
How does ocean circulation move heat around Earth?
Ocean circulation redistributes heat through moving water and interacting processes.
Machines
How can a rocket engine push in empty space?
A rocket’s expelled material explains thrust even without surrounding air.
Earth & Space
Why do monsoon winds change with the seasons?
Seasonal warming patterns help explain changing monsoon winds.