Conservation of Energy
This unit bundles student expectations that address the application of the law of conservation of energy. Students deepen their understanding of energy and focus on what it means to say that energy is conserved. In addition, students examine the work-energy theorem in detail by investigating the connection between work, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy. The concept of potential energy is expanded to include elastic potential energy, and students see that energy is a quantity that can be transformed from one form to another.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Get a set of 4 index cards.
2. Write on the front of the cards: "Law of Conservation of Energy", "Kinetic Energy", "Potential Energy" and "Mechanical Energy".
3. Watch the video above on Conservation of Energy and define the terms.
4. On the back of each card, use the video to help define what each means and use a drawing to illustrate the definition.
1. Open the virtual lab above.
2. Write a 3-5 complete sentence summary about the skater using the terms "mechanical energy", "conservation of energy", "kinetic energy" and "gravitational potential energy".
ASSIGNMENT:
1. As you watch the video on Energy above, add the formulas for potential and kinetic energy to your notecards.
2. I would also recommend adding an example problem for each on your notecards as a reference.
3. Then, see me for a copy of the potential and kinetic energy practice problems.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Open the link above for a virtual lab on kinetic and potential energy.
2. Get a copy of the data table for the lab from me.
3. Use the instructions on the left side of the screen to complete the virtual lab and fill in your table.
4. Open the journal icon and answer the journal questions using complete sentences on your paper.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Get a couple more index cards.
2. You will add a card for 'Work' and a card for 'Power'.
3. Make sure to define and illustrate the terms on your card, and add the formula for calculating each.
4. Then, get a copy of calculations practice from me.
ASSIGNMENT: Complete the work/energy/power lab above. Get a copy of the lab from me.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Get another note card and write the term "elastic potential energy".
2. Watch the videos above on elastic potential energy and write the definition and illustrate the term on the back of the card.
3. Include a formula for calculating elastic potential energy.
ASSIGNMENT:
Design and implement an investigation to test the law of conservation of energy as it pertains to changes in mechanical energy. Communicate the results of the investigation through a 5-7 minute multimedia presentation, poster or other means of conveying. Include the following in the presentation:
- Description of the investigation (including scientific methods and safety precautions utilized)
- Raw data (table)
- Analysis (including calculations for energy)
- Chart of tested variable and energy
- Conclusion (including discussions of the following):
- where the initial energy originated, for example, work done putting a ball on a ramp equals initial gravitational potential energy
- energy transformations
- energy lost
You may use any of the materials I've made available to construct a roller coaster, or you may come up with another device with my approval. You will need to calculate potential and kinetic energy of your system and write a conclusion with the information suggested above. Don't forget, you can also use rubber bands in your project, as they have potential energy as well.
You are ready for your unit exam! Extra time? See me about the mouse-trap lab. OR you may start on a semester exam review.