"Perhaps the concept most central to all of science is energy. The combination of energy and matter makes up the universe: matter is substance, and energy is the mover of substance."
- Professor Paul Hewitt, author of Conceptual Physics textbook.


'Energy' is one of the most wide-ranging and diverse topics in science. The subjects of potential and kinetic energy provide endless possibilities for dramatisation, simulation, music, poetry, dance and mime. The related concepts of work, force and power, as well as the many forms of energy - light, heat, sound and electricity, for example - offer countless themes you can explore. Also one of the hottest topics in the news these days is the problem of how to use energy in a way that is responsible and sustainable.

Perhaps the most important thing to investigate about energy is not so much what it is but how it transforms. The Law of Conservation of Energy - Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it may be transformed from one form into another, but the total amount of energy never changes- is an excellent area for demonstration and explanation through the arts.

These are just some examples which we hope will help you spark your own ideas for your theatre performance in ACTology. Be as creative and innovative as you can in your interpretation of what energy means to you, and have fun!

Do bear in mind however that for ACTology, the main focus of your performance should be the communication of the science or scientific principle(s) involved. It should not be solely about a scientist or science personality, (i.e. it should not be entirely biographical) nor should it focus only on the re-enactment of historical events leading up to a scientific discovery, invention or phenomenon related to energy.

TIPs

How many types of energy are there? Here are some types and example of each:

  		• Kinetic energy- the energy associated with movement. Examples are wind or water falling from a dam.
  		• Potential energy- often referred to as “stored energy” that is a function of an object’s position (in a force field). Examples are the energy found in fuels like petroleum, gas and coal, or in the elasticity of a stretched muscle.
  		• Chemical energy- energy that is released during chemical reactions or when some elements combine to form compounds. Examples are burning fuel or food digestion.
  		• Heat energy- the energy which flows from one place to another because of a difference in temperature. Examples are the heat that travels from a hot tea kettle to your hand or from your hand to an ice cube.
  		• Electrical and magnetic energy- the types of energy associated with electric charge and the moving electric charge that is commonly called “current”. Examples are the energy in an electrical circuit that lights a light bulb powers a fan. Light itself is actually a form of electromagnetic energy
  		• Solar energy- energy that comes from either the light or heat of the sun. Examples are solar cells that use light from the sun to produce electric current, or solar heaters, which collect heat from the sun and store it to heat buildings.
  		• Renewable and non-renewable energy. Solar energy is an example of renewable energy because it will always be available as long as there is a sun. Energy from so-called fossil fuels like coal, gas and petroleum are examples of non-renewable energy because the sources of these fuels are finite.
    		 
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