ALEX Learning Activity Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 14 :

14 ) Use models to construct an explanation of how a system of objects may contain varying types and amounts of potential energy (e.g., observing the movement of a roller coaster cart at various inclines, changing the tension in a rubber band, varying the number of batteries connected in a series, observing a balloon with static electrical charge being brought closer to a classmate's hair).

This learning activity should be used during a lesson on using models to construct an explanation of how the force exerted by a rubber band changes as the band is stretched.  This learning activity can be used as an assessment.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] PS8 (8) 14 :

14 ) Use models to construct an explanation of how a system of objects may contain varying types and amounts of potential energy (e.g., observing the movement of a roller coaster cart at various inclines, changing the tension in a rubber band, varying the number of batteries connected in a series, observing a balloon with static electrical charge being brought closer to a classmate's hair).

This resource can be used as a culminating activity on the concepts of potential and kinetic energy. The students will watch a four-minute music video that includes a vast "Rube Goldberg machine". The students will attempt to identify different types of energy, including different forms of potential and kinetic energy.

This activity is a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.