Description
In this kinetic and potential energy activity, a bouncing ball lab, students will “construct an explanation to summarize how kinetic and potential energy contribute to the mechanical energy of an object”. Students will explore how changes in drop height and mass affect the bounce height of a ball.
⭐⭐ Don’t have the time or materials to complete this lab? Looking for an easier option? You can print or display the data from the answer keys and have students complete the CER.
✅ Download the preview and check out the sneak peek inside!
What’s included in this kinetic and potential energy activity?
☑️ Student Lab Summary
☑️ Part I Lab Worksheets (drop height impact on mechanical energy)
☑️ Part II Lab Worksheets (mass impact on mechanical energy)
☑️ CER: Lab Follow-Up
☑️ Example Answer Keys!!
☑️ Teacher’s Guide, Tips for Students, Group Role Options, Student Expectations
** The best part? The lab and CER text is editable so you can adjust for your students’ and classroom needs!
What will your students do?
- Students will read the lab summary.
- Students will then complete part I of the lab, dropping the same ball at 3 different heights to see how drop height impacts bounce height.
- They will then complete part II of the lab, dropping three different-sized balls from the same height to see how mass impacts bounce height.
What materials do you need?
- lab worksheets (included)
- 3 different-sized balls (per group)
- meter stick or tape measure
- painters tape (optional)
Students can use balls of any size.
Some examples include: tennis balls, racquetballs, rubber balls, basketballs, ping pong balls, golf balls, softballs, etc.
* To get results that more accurately isolate mass as the variable in part II, you will need to use balls close to the same material to reduce other variables.
Don’t forget, if you don’t have the materials and time needed, you can use the data in the answer keys and students can still complete the CER.
The following lessons pair well with this lesson: Mechanical Energy: Potential and Kinetic Energy Interactive Lesson
This activity pairs well with new NC Standard PS.7.2.1 as well as other state standards dealing with potential and kinetic energy.
This is a great support activity for NGSS standard MS-PS3-1 and other energy standards.
★ You may also like:
Energy Interactive Lessons Unit
Energy Transfer and Energy Transformations Task Cards
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Copyright © Bright in the Middle, Kayla Norville
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
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