Grade 4 · Science · 25 minutes
Energy transfer
Place two safe balls on a level clear surface. Share observations in a guided discussion.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-4-energy-transferLearning objective
Explain and practice energy transfer using the activity and evidence, then take part in a grade-appropriate discussion.
Gather your materials
- Paper and drawing supplies
- An adult-prepared safe observation setup or photographs
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Supporting Common Core connection
SL.4.1Prepare, carry out discussion roles, link comments, and review shared ideas.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard. The connection is to the guided literacy discussion; it does not establish alignment with this subject’s content standards.
Teach it step by step
- Place two safe balls on a level clear surface.
- Roll one gently into the other and observe both before and after contact.
- Record the motion as evidence rather than an unseen measurement of energy.
- Use agreed discussion roles, explain evidence and build on a partner's idea.
- Discuss your evidence, follow agreed roles, and build on classmates’ ideas. Give each person a turn, invite a question, and finish by naming an idea heard from someone else.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
Collisions for Kids | Transfer of Energy | Science Lesson for Grades 3-5 | Mini-Clip
By GenerationGenius
Connect this video to the lesson on energy transfer. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Collisions for Kids | Transfer of Energy | Science Lesson for Grades 3-5 | Mini-Clip (opens a new tab) ↗Energy Transfer & Collisions Lab | 4th Grade STEM, Physical Science Unit Pack
By Breaking Printers
Teacher demonstration: preview the lab, then use appropriate materials to model an energy transfer.
Open on YouTube: Energy Transfer & Collisions Lab | 4th Grade STEM, Physical Science Unit Pack (opens a new tab) ↗Describe a collision. What evidence suggests that energy transferred between the objects?
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
A resting ball beginning to move after contact is evidence of energy transfer from the moving ball; no exact energy amount is established.
Try the starter activity
Roll a ball gently into another ball. Record the motion before and after contact. Then discuss your findings with a partner or adult, using the discussion goal above.
Student practice
Repeat a gentle collision and draw arrows showing observed motion, then discuss evidence.
Quick check for understanding
What evidence suggests energy transferred?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: The initially resting ball moves after contact. Listen for a distinction between observation and explanation.
Listen or look for: The initially resting ball moves after contact. Listen for a distinction between observation and explanation.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Use a video or adult demonstration and a before/after chart.
An additional challenge
Predict how a changed starting motion may affect the outcome and discuss a fair test.