Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
ENERGY
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ENERGY
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Grade code: B7.4.1.1.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B7.4.1.1
Indicator code: B7.4.1.1.2
Theme: FORCES AND ENERGY
Subtheme: ENERGY
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Energy is what makes things happen—moving, heating, lighting, sounding, and powering machines. In Ghana, we meet energy every day: charging phones with electricity, cooking with charcoal/LPG, using sunlight to dry clothes or cassava, hearing sound from a bell, and seeing light from bulbs or the sun. Understanding forms of energy and their daily applications helps learners use energy wisely, stay safe, and appreciate how science supports home, school, and community life.
2.1 Meaning of Energy Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It can make objects move, heat up, produce light, or make sound. Energy is measured in joules (J). 2.2 Common Forms of Energy and Daily Meaning (A) Chemical Energy Energy stored in substances like food, fuel, and batteries. Daily applications (Ghana examples): Food (banku, rice, beans) gives the body energy for walking and playing. Petrol/diesel powers cars, “trotro,” motorbikes. Batteries in a torch store chemical energy. (B) Electrical Energy Energy from moving electric charges (current). Daily applications: Powering bulbs, fans, TV, fridge, phone chargers. School ICT lab computers. Community: welding shops, barbering salons. (C) Light (Radiant) Energy Energy we can see from the sun, bulbs, flames. Daily applications: Sunlight helps plants grow (farming). Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity. Seeing in the classroom with bulbs. (D) Heat (Thermal) Energy Energy that makes things warm/hot. Daily applications: Cooking with LPG, charcoal, firewood. Ironing clothes with an electric iron. Boiling water for tea or sterilising. (E) Sound Energy Energy produced by vibrating objects and carried by waves. Daily applications: School bell, drum in cultural activities, church/mosque speakers. Communication: talking, radio announcements. (F) Mechanical Energy (Kinetic + Potential) Mechanical energy is energy due to motion or position. Kinetic Energy (KE) – energy of a moving object. Formula: KE = ½mv² Where: *m* = mass (kg) *v* = speed/velocity (m/s) Daily applications: A moving bicycle, football, running student. Flowing water turning a turbine (hydro power). Potential Energy (PE) – stored energy due to position/height. For gravity: PE = mgh Where: *m* = mass (kg) *g* = gravitational field strength (≈ 10 m/s² for JHS calculations) *h* = height (m) Daily applications: A bucket of water lifted onto a stand. A stone held up before dropping. Water stored in an overhead tank (can flow down with force).
2.3 Energy Changes (Transformations) in Daily Life Energy often changes from one form to another.
| Device/Activity | Energy In | Energy Out | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Torchlight | Chemical (battery) | Light + Heat | Battery energy becomes electrical then light | | Electric fan | Electrical | Kinetic (moving blades) + Sound | Also produces a little heat | | LPG stove | Chemical (gas) | Heat + Light | Heat cooks food | | Radio/TV | Electrical | Sound + Light | Speakers vibrate to produce sound | | Solar calculator | Light | Electrical | Solar cell converts light to electricity |
Important idea: Energy is not “created” or “destroyed”; it is converted (changed) and sometimes spreads out as heat/sound.