TAKS Objective 4

The student will demonstrate an understanding of motion,

forces, and energy.

TEKS 7.8 Science concepts

The student knows that complex interactions occur between matter and energy. The student is expected to:

A. Illustrate examples of potential and kinetic energy in everyday life such as objects at rest, movement of geologic faults, and falling water.

For Teacher’s Eyes Only

What is energy?

The ability to do work.The ability to cause change.

Forms of Energy

Heat LightSoundChemicalAtomic (Nuclear)ElectricalMechanical

Categories of Energy

Kinetic (derived from the Greek root word “ kinein” which means “to move”)

Potential (derived from the Latin word “potere” which translates as “to be powerful”)

Potential Energy

All energy starts out as potential energy.

Exists due to an object’s condition or position.

Examples of Potential Energy

Food Wood Wind-up toy Light bulb

Electric pencil sharpener

Depends on:

Height above the earth

The higher it is, the more potential energy it has.

Weight

The heavier it is, the more potential energy it has.

Kinetic Energy

Occurs when potential energy is used or transformed into kinetic energy.

Kinetic energy can also be transferred from one object to another.

Kinetic Energy

Determined by the mass of the object and the velocity at which the object is moving.

Engage

Demonstration: Come back can

Exploration 1

• Activity: Illustrate the Moment

• Class Time: 20 minutes

• Objective: The learner will illustrate real-world examples of potential and kinetic energy.

Explain

• All matter possesses potential energy

• Potential energy becomes kinetic energy and produces motion.

• Any matter would represent potential energy as long as it is not moving.

• If matter is moving, kinetic energy is being used.

Exploration 2

• Activity: Break It Up!• Class Time: 15 minutes• Objective: The learner will

simulate how pressure affects layers of rock in an earthquake by applying pressure horizontally to layers of clay increasing potential energy.

Explain

Potential energy exists in all matter and all energy begins as potential energy, which may become kinetic energy.

Explain

• Potential energy exists due to an object’s position or condition.

• The condition of lateral pressure creates potential energy.

Explain

Kinetic energy occurs when potential energy is used or transformed into kinetic energy.

In this case, the potential energy created by pressure, changed to kinetic energy of upward motion.

Elaboration 1

• Experiment: High Roller

• Class Time: 15 minutes

• Objective : The learner will determine if potential energy due to height above the earth will affect kinetic energy of an object.

Explain

• Potential energy due to height above the earth is called “gravitational potential energy”.

• The higher the marble, the greater the potential energy and therefore the greater the kinetic energy.

Elaboration 2

• Experiment: Kinetic Mouse

• Class Time: 45 minutes

• Objective : Create a mouse that moves based on potential energy.

Explain

• Potential energy is created by the twisted rubber band.

• When released, potential energy is changed into kinetic energy.

Explain

Limitations to amount of

potential energy are:

1. Number of twists

2. Elastic strength of rubber

band.

Evaluate

Students will answer a written examination identifying objects as exhibiting either kinetic or potential energy.