Social Studies Component

My PBL is the Spring Ladder which shows the principles of the turning of potential energy into kinetic energy. Throughout history, humans have used this simple science as a way to create inventions and innovations to aid their lifestyles and needs.

Effects on society:

A non-moving object will always have potential energy due to the forces that are pulling it. This could be the natural force of gravity pulling the object to the center of the earth, or an elastic force created by stretching or bending a material. Whether it be a rock or paperweight to hold down paper against a gust of wind while writing, or the intricate creation of the bow and arrow for use in warfare, the science behind these creations all start with one simple principle.

The bow and arrow has been used as a weapon of choice for many centuries by different cultures as a tool for hunting and a weapon for warfare. By drawing the sting of a bow, elastic potential energy is stored at the point where the arrow meets the string. When released, the potential energy turns into kinetic energy, thus firing the projectile at its intended location.

Theme parks and amusement parks make use of potential energy by having the roller coaster slowly approach the top of the ride. The highest point is used because it it the position where gravity will have the most effect as a force in propelling the roller coaster throughout the rest of its course. Using gravity as a force, when the coaster falls forward, it accelerates and turns the potential energy stored at the top of the ride into kinetic energy while creating screams of excitement and fear from its riders.One of the greatest uses of this simple science is perhaps its use to create electricity through the building of dams. Hydroelectricity is created when a large amount of water falls and turns a turbine, thus producing energy needed to light up homes and streetlights.

Used for many years, the simplest of sciences have perhaps the most lasting effects.

Sources:

"Basic Terminology and Concepts," The Physics Classroom, accessed January 9, 2014, http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/energy/u5l1b.cfm.

"Potential Energy," University of Oregon, assessed January 9, 2014, http://jersey.uoregon.edu/vlab/PotentialEnergy/.

Images from:

Bow and arrow description: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RYapsmEvvDI/TDfGRAXD9xI/AAAAAAAAAA4/PBaNjud1mcE/s1600/stretched-string-potential-energy.jpg

Roller coaster: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Millennium_Force1_CP.JPG/220px-Millennium_Force1_CP.JPG

Three Gorges Dam: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg/800px-ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg

Hydroelectricity layout and description: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Hydroelectric_dam.svg/575px-Hydroelectric_dam.svg.png