Unit 1: Work and Energy

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of work and energy. Students will investigate how energy is stored and transferred, learn how work changes the energy of a system, and explore common energy transfer pathways. They will use energy flow diagrams to represent energy transformations and apply the principle of conservation of energy to a variety of situations.

Topics:

  • Energy Stores
  • Work Done
  • Work Examples
  • Energy Transfer Pathways
  • Energy Flow Diagrams
  • Conservation of Energy

Unit 2: Mechanical Energy

In this unit, students will examine the major forms of mechanical energy and learn how they interact within physical systems. They will calculate kinetic, gravitational potential, and elastic potential energy while applying conservation of mechanical energy to analyze motion, springs, roller coasters, and other dynamic systems.

Topics:

  • Kinetic Energy
  • Gravitational Potential Energy
  • Elastic Potential Energy
  • Conservation of Mechanical Energy
  • Energy Transformations and Calculations

Unit 3: Power and Efficiency

This unit explores the rate at which energy is transferred and work is performed. Students will investigate power in mechanical and electrical systems, calculate efficiency, and examine how energy losses affect real-world devices and machines. They will develop an understanding of why engineers strive to improve efficiency in technological systems.

Topics:

  • Power
  • Mechanical Power
  • Electrical Power
  • Efficiency
  • Energy Resources and Energy Density

Unit 4: Energy in Systems

In this unit, students will analyze how energy moves through complex systems. They will investigate machines, mechanical advantage, frictional losses, and energy flow while exploring concepts of stability and equilibrium. Real-world examples from transportation and engineering will demonstrate how energy principles guide design and operation.

Topics:

  • Machines and Mechanical Advantage
  • Friction and Energy Losses
  • Energy Flow in Systems
  • Stability and Equilibrium
  • Energy in Transportation and Engineering

Unit 5: Energy Resources and Sustainability

The final unit examines how societies generate, store, and use energy. Students will investigate renewable energy technologies, batteries, fuel cells, and energy storage systems while exploring sustainability challenges and future energy solutions. Through case studies and real-world examples, they will evaluate how energy choices affect both technology and the environment.

Topics:

  • Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Batteries and Fuel Cells
  • Energy Storage Systems
  • Sustainable Energy Solutions
  • Future Energy Challenges

Final Challenge

Apply your understanding of work, energy, power, and efficiency to investigate real-world energy systems. Students will analyze machines, transportation technologies, renewable energy installations, and engineering designs while using calculations, conservation principles, and system analysis to evaluate performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

Last modified: Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 3:36 AM