Grade 7 Quarter 3

Heat to Energy: Unleashing Sustainable Solutions

Written by: Ace John Sumawang &
Emmanuel Maningas

Introduction:
In our study of changing heat into electricity, we look at cool gadgets like solar panels and wood stove
generators that use heat to make power. Students do fun activities and learn how these gadgets work.
They also see how important it is to use renewable energy to take care of the Earth. By learning about
this, they can help make the world a better place by being careful with energy and protecting the
environment.

Learning Competency:

- Gather information from secondary sources to identify and describe examples of innovative
devices that can transform heat energy into electrical energy.

Objectives:
At the end of the activity, learners will:
 Analyze the features and characteristics of innovative devices that transform heat energy
into electrical energy, helping students understand how these technologies work.

 Evaluate the effectiveness and potential applications of innovative heat-to-electricity

conversion devices through information collected from secondary sources, enabling
students to recognize the importance of utilizing renewable energy sources.

 Synthesize information from secondary materials to explain the mechanisms and

processes involved in converting heat energy into electrical energy using innovative
devices, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable energy solutions.
Reading Material:

Exploring Simple Devices that Turn Heat into Electricity

Have you ever wondered if we could use the warmth around us to create electricity? It
might sound like something out of a fantasy story, but it's actually something scientists have been
exploring for a long time. In this reading, we'll delve into the amazing process of turning heat
energy into electrical energy. We'll discover how simple devices can capture this energy,
allowing us to power things like phones and lights
Heat to Electricity:
When things get warm, that's heat. But did you know we can change this warmth into
electricity? It's called thermoelectricity. Imagine you have a metal stick. If you heat up one end
and keep the other end cool, something cool happens. The hot end makes tiny particles inside the
metal, called electrons, move faster. But the cool end makes them move slower. This difference
makes electricity! So, heating one end of the stick and cooling the other makes electricity flow.
We can use this electricity to charge our phones or power small things. Knowing about
thermoelectricity helps us see how we can use warmth, like from the sun or our own bodies, to
make electricity. It's a simple idea but it can do big things for how we use energy.
Here are examples of simple devices that turn heat into electricity:
1. Solar Panels: You might have heard of solar panels before. These are flat panels that you
can see on roofs or in fields. They use sunlight, which is a form of heat, to generate
electricity. When sunlight hits the panels, it creates a flow of electrons, producing
electricity.
2. Thermosiphon: A thermosiphon is like a simple water heater. It works by using the heat
from the sun to warm up water. As the water heats up, it rises through a pipe to a storage
tank, and cooler water moves in to replace it. This movement of water can be used to
generate electricity using a turbine connected to a generator.
3. Wood Stove Generator: Some innovative wood stoves have a built-in generator that
turns heat from burning wood into electricity. As the wood burns, it creates heat, which
can be used to power a generator. This electricity can then be used to charge small
devices like phones or power lights.
4. Body Heat Chargers: Have you ever seen those portable chargers that you can carry
around to charge your phone? Some of them have special pads that you can place against
your body, like your arm or leg. These pads use your body heat to generate electricity and
charge your phone while you're on the move.
Procedure:

1. Begin by distributing copies of the reading material titled "Exploring Simple Devices that
Turn Heat into Electricity" to each student.
2. Encourage students to read the material carefully, taking notes on key concepts,
examples, and mechanisms discussed.
3. After reading, facilitate a group discussion to ensure comprehension and address any
questions or clarifications students may have.
4. Provide the guide questions to help students analyze the reading material and consolidate
their understanding of the content.
5. Encourage students to research additional examples of innovative devices that convert
heat energy into electrical energy, either individually or in groups, using the provided
references.
6. Once students have gathered information, guide them in synthesizing their findings into a
cohesive explanation of the mechanisms and processes involved in heat-to-electricity
conversion.
7. Conclude the activity by discussing the effectiveness and potential applications of these
innovative devices, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions in
addressing global energy challenges.

Guide Questions:

1. What is thermoelectricity, and how does it work?

2. Give an example of a simple device that turns heat into electricity.
3. How do solar panels make electricity from sunlight?
4. Where can you use body heat chargers?
5. Why is it good to find new ways to make electricity from heat?

Conclusion:
Engaging students in activities like exploring simple devices that turn heat into electricity not only
enhances their understanding of scientific concepts but also equips them with knowledge about
sustainable energy solutions. By delving into topics like thermoelectricity and innovative heat-to-
electricity conversion devices, students not only learn about scientific principles but also become aware of
the importance of renewable energy sources. This activity encourages critical thinking, research skills,
and an appreciation for the role of technology in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Ultimately, empowering students with this knowledge prepares them to be responsible stewards of the
environment and encourages them to contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
References:

Turning heat into electricity. (2018, January 16). MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
https://news.mit.edu/2018/topological-materials-turning-heat-electricity-0117

Alfred. (2022, November 6). How thermoelectric generators work. Applied Thermoelectric Solutions
LLC. https://thermoelectricsolutions.com/how-thermoelectric-generators-work/

Kang, X., Jia, S., Xu, R., Liu, S., Peng, J., Yu, H., & Zhou, X. (2021). Highly efficient pyroelectric
generator for waste heat recovery without auxiliary device. Nano Energy, 88, 106245.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106245

thermophotovoltaic tpv system: Topics by Science.gov. (n.d.).

https://www.science.gov/topicpages/t/thermophotovoltaic+tpv+system.html

Navarro, M. E., Ge, Z., Zhu, J., Zhao, Y., Weng, L., & Ding, Y. (2023). Thermal energy storage
options. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 419–471). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-818022-
8.00002-8

Possible Answer in Guide Questions:

1. Thermoelectricity turns heat into electricity. It works by heating one end of a metal stick
while keeping the other end cool. This makes electricity flow.
2. An example is a thermosiphon. It uses the sun to heat water, making it rise through a
pipe. This movement can make electricity.
3. Solar panels use sunlight to make electricity. When sunlight hits them, they make
electricity flow.
4. Body heat chargers can be used to charge phones while moving. You wear them against
your body, like on your arm or leg.
5. It's good because it helps us use more renewable energy. We can use heat from the sun or
our bodies instead of using things like coal or oil.