Prerequisite Activity 1--What Is Energy?
Summary: Students will use the game
of bowling to understand the difference in potential energy and
kinetic energy.
Materials: ball (or bean bag), indoor bowling pins (or empty 1 liter soda bottles)
TEKS: 2.1A,B 2.2B,C,E,F 2,3A,B 2,4A 2,7A,B
Objectives:
Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy
Determine commonalties and difference
Procedure:
1. Ask children "What is energy?"
2. Brainstorm forms of energy--light, heat, electricity, chemical, nuclear, motion--wind,
water.
3. Allow students to experience the difference in kinetic energy and potential energy
using the ball the bowling pins.
(As students hold the ball it has potential energy. When they roll the ball to hit the
pins, its potential
energy changes to kinetic energy. Explain that potential energy is stored energy. Kinetic
energy is
energy in action. Potential energy must be converted to kinetic energy before it is
useful.)
Expanding the Lesson and Evaluation:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Have each group list other forms of potential energy they have at home. (Example
batteries, gasoline in the car.)
3. Compare lists. Which items are considered necessary and which are luxury? Is there a
commonality/difference in the examples of potential energy?
4. Design another game which uses potential and kinetic energy.
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Last Edited: August 25, 2000