Kinetic/Potential Energy
Kinetic/Potential Energy
How do kinetic and potential energy play a role in the functioning of a catapult?
Critical Thinking: Understanding and applying energy concepts in a practical project.
Adaptive Perseverance: Iterating on their catapult design based on test results.
Learner’s Mindset: Actively seeking knowledge about physics to improve their design.
Collaboration: Working in teams to brainstorm, design, build, and test their catapults.
What is potential energy, and where is it stored in a catapult?
How is potential energy converted into kinetic energy in a catapult?
How can we design a catapult to maximize the distance a projectile travels?
Catapult Design and Construction: Students use materials to build a catapult that can launch a small object.
Energy Transformation Exploration: Experiments highlight how potential energy is stored and converted into kinetic energy in their catapults.
Distance and Accuracy Tests: Students modify their catapults to improve distance and accuracy, applying their understanding of energy principles.
Understand and apply the principles of energy transformation (kinetic and potential energy).
Engage with the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve.
Apply mathematical concepts to predict the outcome of their designs.
[Our Hidden Google Drive Resource link]