Design Energy Solutions Chapter Notes | Science for Grade 4 PDF Download

Introduction

Energy is all around us! It helps things move, shine, or stay warm. In this chapter, we will learn what energy is, how we use it every day, and how we can design fun things to use energy wisely. We will also find out how to save energy to help our planet. Let’s explore how energy makes our world special and how we can create cool solutions to use it better!

What is Energy?

• Energy makes things happen, like moving, lighting up, or warming up.
• Examples of energy in action:
  • The sun gives us light to see and heat to feel warm.
  • Electricity makes lights, fans, or toys work.
  • Wind pushes kites in the sky or spins windmills.
• Forms of energy we see in our lives:
  • Light energy: Comes from the sun or lamps to help us see.
  • Heat energy: Comes from the sun or heaters to keep us warm.
  • Motion energy: Comes from moving things, like a ball rolling or a fan spinning.
• Where energy comes from:
  • The sun gives us light and heat.
  • Wind moves things like kites or windmills.
  • Water can make energy when it moves, like in rivers.
  • Electricity comes from power plants to light our homes.

Energy in Everyday Life

• How we use energy every day:
  • Turning on lights to see in the dark.
  • Using fans to stay cool.
  • Heating our homes to stay warm.
  • Powering toys or games we play.
• Energy and our planet:
  • Using too much energy, like leaving lights on, can hurt the environment.
  • Saving energy helps keep our planet clean and safe.

Designing Energy Solutions

• Steps to design something new (Engineering Design Process):
  • Ask: What problem do we need to solve? 
    • Example: How can we keep a house cool when it’s hot outside?)
  • Imagine: Think of ideas to fix the problem 
    • Example: Make a shade or use a fan.
  • Plan: Draw or talk about your idea.
  • Create: Build your idea with things like paper, cardboard, or blocks.
  • ​Test and Improve: Try your idea and make it better if it doesn’t work well.
• Fun design challenges:
  • Make a shade structure to block sunlight, like how plants use leaves to stay cool.
  • Build a small windmill to use wind energy.
  • Create a model house with ways to save energy, like windows to let in natural light.
• Energy solutions and natural hazards:
  • Design a strong roof to protect a house from heavy rain in a storm.
  • Create a way to keep a house cool during a heatwave.
  • Make a plan to stay warm during very cold weather.

Energy Conservation

• Ways to save energy:
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Use sunlight instead of turning on lamps during the day.
  • Wear warm clothes instead of turning up the heater.
• Why saving energy is important:
  • It helps keep our planet clean and healthy.
  • It makes sure we have enough energy for everyone to use.