Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Engineering Design Challenge Presentation Video

This video is an example of one of the presentations that were created for the Engineering Design Challenge on Wind Energy. Thanks to Emma W. and David E. for granting my request to record and post their presentation.

Example Energy Conversion Paragraph

This paragraph is an example that students may use to help them with their Energy Conversion Paragraph homework assignment.

When I ride my bicycle, there are many energy conversions that take place, including chemical energy being converted into mechanical energy, mechanical energy being transferred into mechanical energy in different places, and mechanical energy being converted into kinetic energy. Chemical energy is converted into mechanical energy in my legs when my muscles contract and I push on the pedals. When I push down on the pedals, the mechanical energy from my legs gets transferred to the mechanical energy in the gears and the chain as they turn. The mechanical energy in the gears gets converted into kinetic energy of the bicycle as it moves. Throughout this process, there are several energy conversions and each time that happens some of the energy gets converted into heat due to friction of the chain on the gears and the tires on the road.