WALKTHROUGH
KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY
Energy can make objects perform work. Objects possess stored energy and moving energy.
Pages
Inquiry points
6
Suggested time
9
1
15 min
Science extra
T
Read how to calculate work in joules.
Consider which objects possess energy.
Answers
1IP
Answer
• Lizard resting • Person diving
into water
• The sun
• A stone
1IP
T
• 1000 joules
2
Consider the difference between
potential and kinetic energy.
Answers
D
D
D
D
D
D
ACTIVITY: KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY
D
D
1IP
Potential energy: Skier standing;
Apple on tree; Closed dam; Book
on table.
Kinetic energy: Skier flying; Apple
falling; Open dam; Falling book.
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WALKTHROUGH
3
Consider the different types of kinetic
energy.
Answers
D
D
D
D
4
1IP
•
•
•
•
Moving objects
Electrical energy
Thermal energy
Radiation
Science extra
D
D
Consider types of potential energy.
Read about Earth’s gravitational field
and magnetic fields.
Answers
D
D
1IP
•
•
•
•
•
Gravitational
Elastic
Nuclear
Chemical
Electrical
ACTIVITY: KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY
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intoscience.com
WALKTHROUGH
5
Consider the various types of energy
possessed or demonstrated by the
different objects.
Answers
1IP
Chocolate bar: Chemical
1IP
Bungee jumping: Elastic, Kinetic
1IP
A camp fire: Light, Chemical, Heat
6
Consider how the roller coaster in the
video demonstrates potential and
kinetic energy.
Answers
1IP
• When the cart is at the top of
the highest point, the potential
energy is greatest.
• As the cart goes downhill,
it gains kinetic energy as it
speeds up.
• A heavier cart would have more
gravitational potential energy at
the highest point.
Energy can be a challenging concept to grasp, given it is so abstract.
Ask students to make comparisons between energy and non-cash
money — both are ways of measuring actions, for example, and
neither exists on its own as a ‘thing’ you can hold or see.
ACTIVITY: KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY
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|
intoscience.com