Middle School Physical Science

Middle School Physical Science explores the fundamental concepts of matter, energy, and the interactions between them through engaging experiments and real-world applications.

Advanced Topics

Conservation of Energy

The Big Idea

Energy cannot be created or destroyed—only transformed from one form to another. This is known as the Law of Conservation of Energy.

How It Happens

When you ride a bike down a hill, potential energy changes into kinetic energy. When you apply brakes, kinetic energy turns into heat.

Energy in Action

Power plants convert chemical energy (from fuels) into electrical energy for your home. Your body turns the chemical energy in food into movement and heat.

Why It Matters

Understanding how energy is conserved helps us design better and more efficient machines—like cars, light bulbs, and even roller coasters!

Examples

  • A roller coaster at the top has potential energy, which changes to kinetic energy as it goes down.

  • When you rub your hands together, motion (kinetic) energy turns into heat (thermal) energy.

In a Nutshell

Energy is never lost, just changed into different forms.