Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Potential Energy Formula

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what is meant by potential energy and demonstrates how to use the formulas for gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and electric potential energy. Includes interactive calculators for the first two formula...
Unit Plan
eSchool Today

E School Today: Energy

For Students 4th - 8th
Explains different kinds of energy, covering kinetic, potential, gravitational, mechanical, sound, thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiant energy. Also looks at storage, transfer, and dissipation of energy. Includes a short...
Handout
FT Exploring

Ft Exploring: Energy Conversions: Potential to Kinetic Energy

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out how gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, then finally into low-grade thermal energy.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Amusement Park Ride: Ups and Downs in Design

For Teachers 7th - 8th
This unit has students design and build foam tubing roller coasters. The design process integrates energy concepts as they test and evaluate their designs that address the task as an engineer would. The goal is for students to understand...
Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Potential Energy: How Is It Related to Kinetic Energy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
After creating three different ramps with various heights, students will release toy cars from the tops of each ramp. Based on the elementary age level, students will collect data and analyze it.
Activity
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity Force Lab

For Students 9th - 10th
An interactive simulation that teaches about gravitational force, Newton's Third Law, and force pairs by varying properties affect the gravitational force exerted between two objects. This simulation can either be downloaded or played...
Activity
University of Oregon

Uo: Cannon Simulator: Experimental Instructions

For Students 9th - 10th
This virtual experiment is designed to let the student measure the relation between muzzle velocity (which determines projectile energy), gravitational potential and the effects of frictional drag caused by wind speed blowing opposite to...