Grade 6 · Science · Unit 8 of 8
Making and Using Electricity
Where it comes from, how to save it
What your child practises
How electrical energy is made from other energy forms and changed back, the impacts of different ways of making it in Canada, and ways to use less.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: 6E 2.2 · energy resources processed into electricity, and using electrical energy wisely
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
A solar cell changes light energy into…
- electrical energy
- sound energy
- chemical energy
Show answer
electrical energy
Hint: Solar panels make electricity from sunlight.
Question 2
A hydroelectric station changes the energy of moving water into…
- chemical energy
- electrical energy
- heat energy only
Show answer
electrical energy
Hint: Water turns a turbine that turns a generator.
Question 3
Put the energy changes in a coal power plant in order.
- 🪨Chemical energy stored in coal
- ⚡A generator makes electrical energy
- ♨️Thermal energy boils water into steam
- 🌀Steam spins a turbine (kinetic energy)
Show answer
Chemical energy stored in coal → Thermal energy boils water into steam → Steam spins a turbine (kinetic energy) → A generator makes electrical energy
Hint: Coal's chemical energy becomes heat, which makes steam that spins a turbine and generator.
Question 4
What does a transformer help do on the power grid?
- Make the wires thicker
- Change voltage so electricity can be sent safely and used
- Store the electricity forever
Show answer
Change voltage so electricity can be sent safely and used
Hint: Power lines carry high voltage over long distances.
Question 5
Wind and solar power make electricity without burning fuel. What is one challenge?
- They create lots of carbon dioxide while running
- They only produce power when the wind blows or the Sun shines
- They use up the wind
Show answer
They only produce power when the wind blows or the Sun shines
Hint: Storage or backup power is needed.
Question 6
Which is a renewable way to generate electricity?
- Burning coal
- Wind turbines
- Burning natural gas
Show answer
Wind turbines
Hint: Wind will keep blowing.