Lesson Plan - Work, Energy and Power: How Things Get Done
This home education lesson focuses on three key ideas in physics: work, energy, and power. Although these words might sound familiar, science gives them very specific meanings. In physics, work happens when a force (like a push or pull) moves something. Energy is the fuel or ability to do work – it’s what powers everything from our bodies to machines. Power tells us how fast that energy is used. These concepts help explain everything from why light bulbs glow to how athletes sprint.
You don’t need any science background to teach this lesson. We’ve written it in everyday language and explained new words clearly. It’s designed for children aged 8 to 16, with flexible activities that you can adapt based on age or ability. You’ll explore fun questions, do some easy experiments, and get creative – all from home, with everyday objects.
As your child learns, they’ll begin to spot science in action around them – in bikes, food, movement, and even their own muscles. This topic builds not only science knowledge but also critical thinking, observation skills, and confidence.
With clear questions, structured tasks, and creative projects, this lesson will help you guide your child through one of physics’ most important and useful ideas: how things get done using work, energy and power.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Work, Energy and Power: How Things Get Done
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
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Lesson Plan Work, Energy and Power – How Things Get Done | |
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| Overview | This lesson explores the science of how things move, how energy is used, and how quickly work gets done. You and your child will learn about "work" (using force to move something), "energy" (the fuel that powers action), and "power" (how fast energy is used). The activities are designed for home use and include reading, creative tasks, and real-life examples. There's no need for any lab equipment – just curiosity, discussion, and a little imagination! With step-by-step support, you’ll help your child grasp the key ideas that explain how machines, muscles, and even nature get things done every day. |
| Learning Objectives |
- Understand what “work” means in physics - Identify different types of energy and how they transform - Explore what power means and how it’s measured - Apply ideas through discussion, drawings and challenges |
| Estimated Time | 60–90 minutes |
| Starter Activity |
Ask: “What do you think ‘work’ means in science?” Then: Grab a bag of books and carry it across the room. Ask: “Was that work? Why or why not?” Explain that in physics, work happens when something moves because of a force. |
| Read and Learn |
Read the Work, Energy and Power: How Things Get Done article together. Discuss these questions:
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| Activities | Comprehension Questions:
Hands-On Activity: Use a stopwatch and stairs! Time how long it takes to walk upstairs carrying an object. Then try running. Which one used more power? (Faster = more power!) |
| Deeper Thinking | Big Question: “Why is power important in real life? Would you rather be strong or powerful?” Discuss together. Think about sports, machines, and even your own body. |
| Creative Projects |
- Draw a comic showing someone using energy to do work in three stages - Create a “Power Poster” comparing slow and fast energy use (e.g. tortoise vs rocket) - Make a mini booklet showing how a human body turns food into power |
| Review & Reflect | Ask your learner:
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| Extensions & Homework |
- Research different types of energy used in your home - Draw a diagram showing the energy changes in a rollercoaster ride - Write a short story called “The Day Everything Ran Out of Power” |
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