Describe Energy Transformations Activities for 5th Grade Science

The Kesler Science Describe Energy Transformations 5E Lesson is a comprehensive unit for teaching 5th-grade students how energy changes form in systems, such as a flashlight converting chemical energy to electrical energy and then to light energy. This low-prep, editable resource includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments designed for differentiated, student-led learning. It aligns with the 2021 TEKS 5.8A standard and offers materials in both English and Spanish.

Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engaging discussions and vocabulary activities. Students then explore energy transformations through a hands-on, differentiated station lab featuring activities like experiments, reading passages, research tasks, videos, card sorts, writing prompts, drawings, and formal assessments. Additional challenge stations extend learning for early finishers. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints and interactive notebooks available in digital and print formats. Students deepen their understanding with choice projects and are assessed using STAAR 2.0-aligned questions. The flexible format supports both in-class and virtual learning environments.

Engage your 5th-grade students with this student-led station lab aligned with the 2021 TEKS 5.8A standard on energy transformations. This interactive lesson allows students to investigate and describe how energy changes form while remaining conserved, encouraging active participation and independent learning.

The lab features nine differentiated, modular stations designed for independent or small-group work. Activities include hands-on tasks, videos, readings, research, and creative projects. Students explore concepts through stations like Explore It!, where they apply information through interactive activities; Watch It! and Read It!, which introduce new concepts through videos and passages; and Research It!, where students analyze data on energy transfer.

To demonstrate understanding, students engage with output stations such as Organize It!, using manipulatives; Illustrate It!, drawing energy transformations; Write It!, responding to prompts; and Assess It!, applying knowledge through questions and vocabulary exercises. A bonus Challenge It! station offers extension activities for advanced learners.

This versatile resource supports both in-person and virtual learning, providing a flexible, student-centered approach to mastering energy transformations.

The Energy Transformations Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 5.8A, allowing 5th-grade students to select a project that suits their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options, plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also part of the Describe Energy Transformations Complete Lesson for TEKS 5.8A.

These flexible, multimodal projects encourage students to creatively demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, offering modified options for students who need extra support and opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to meet grading needs.

The resource includes nine project choices, a “design your own” option, a teacher directions page, and editable rubric pages assessing vocabulary, concepts, presentation, clarity, and accuracy. Projects use standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.