Lesson 5: Spool Racer
Working in co-operative groups, students will make a spool racer which will introduce them to kinetic and potential energy.
Students Prior Knowledge and Experience
Students have been exposed to the scientific concept of energy, work and power. They have used the International System of Units or SI of Joules and Watts in calculation. This will be the first time energy types have been introduced, as previously students have only focused on energy sources.
Learning Purposes and Links to Learning Area Outcomes and Aspects
This lesson is linked to science learning outcome Energy and Change and the aspect Energy Types; there are many types of energy: light, sound, chemical, electrical, kinetic, potential, heat, nuclear. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by moving bodies; gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object because of its height. It is also linked to science learning outcome Working Scientifically refers to the skills and processes involved in science. (Department of Education and Training, 2008)
Preparation and Resources
Print off a class set of Activity Sheet 5 and 6. 1 zip lock bag per group containing; 1 wooden spool, 1 flat toothpick, 1 rubber band, 1 large metal washer, 1 small metal washer, 1 unsharpened pencil and some tape. An interactive white board with internet access.
Learning Experiences
Introduction
Seat students in groups of 3 or 4. Show the video on Potential and Kinetic Energy
(How Stuff Works, 2010)
Main Body of Lesson
Hand out Activity Sheet 5 and read through with the class. Play the instructional spool racer making (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2002) video to the class on interactive whiteboard and then hand out one spool racer kit per group. Clarify any queries regarding work required and have students start on Activity Sheet.
Closure and Transition to Next Lesson
When groups have finished Activity Sheet 5 give them Activity Sheet 6. This activity sheet will introduce them to the skate park simulation that they will do the next lesson. If students fo not finish Activity Sheet 6 in class, have them do it for homework.
Student Evaluation
Activity Sheets will be placed in students’ science note books and a participation assessment rubric for group work may also be taken.
Credits
Activity Sheet 5 modified with materials from PBS Kids (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2002).
Activity Sheet 6 modified with materials from PhET (Bowling, 2008).
Working in co-operative groups, students will make a spool racer which will introduce them to kinetic and potential energy.
Students Prior Knowledge and Experience
Students have been exposed to the scientific concept of energy, work and power. They have used the International System of Units or SI of Joules and Watts in calculation. This will be the first time energy types have been introduced, as previously students have only focused on energy sources.
Learning Purposes and Links to Learning Area Outcomes and Aspects
This lesson is linked to science learning outcome Energy and Change and the aspect Energy Types; there are many types of energy: light, sound, chemical, electrical, kinetic, potential, heat, nuclear. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by moving bodies; gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object because of its height. It is also linked to science learning outcome Working Scientifically refers to the skills and processes involved in science. (Department of Education and Training, 2008)
Preparation and Resources
Print off a class set of Activity Sheet 5 and 6. 1 zip lock bag per group containing; 1 wooden spool, 1 flat toothpick, 1 rubber band, 1 large metal washer, 1 small metal washer, 1 unsharpened pencil and some tape. An interactive white board with internet access.
Learning Experiences
Introduction
Seat students in groups of 3 or 4. Show the video on Potential and Kinetic Energy
(How Stuff Works, 2010)
Main Body of Lesson
Hand out Activity Sheet 5 and read through with the class. Play the instructional spool racer making (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2002) video to the class on interactive whiteboard and then hand out one spool racer kit per group. Clarify any queries regarding work required and have students start on Activity Sheet.
Closure and Transition to Next Lesson
When groups have finished Activity Sheet 5 give them Activity Sheet 6. This activity sheet will introduce them to the skate park simulation that they will do the next lesson. If students fo not finish Activity Sheet 6 in class, have them do it for homework.
Student Evaluation
Activity Sheets will be placed in students’ science note books and a participation assessment rubric for group work may also be taken.
Credits
Activity Sheet 5 modified with materials from PBS Kids (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2002).
Activity Sheet 6 modified with materials from PhET (Bowling, 2008).
