Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will understand how forces of energy are used in everyday products.
Materials and Prep
Materials needed: Pen, paper, a toy car, a small ball, a rubber band, a ruler.
No prior knowledge is needed for this lesson, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Activities
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Activity 1: Energy Transfer
Take the toy car and push it on a flat surface. Observe how the energy from your push makes the car move. Write down your observations.
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Activity 2: Elastic Potential Energy
Stretch the rubber band and release it. Notice how the rubber band moves due to the stored energy. Measure how far the rubber band travels.
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Activity 3: Gravitational Potential Energy
Drop the small ball from different heights and see how the height affects the energy it has when it hits the ground. Record your findings.
Talking Points
- "Energy is what makes things happen. When you push the toy car, the energy from your push is transferred to the car, making it move."
- "Rubber bands can store energy when they are stretched. When you release it, the stored energy is converted into motion."
- "The higher you drop the ball from, the more energy it gains due to gravity. This energy is then released when the ball hits the ground."