OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Students will be exploring potential and kinetic energy (how mass and velocity changes KE, when does an object have the most/least potential). They will have cars of different masses, with microbits attached, and a ramp to complete their trials. Afterwards, students will upload data, make graphs of the data, and interpret how different variables affected potential and kinetic energy.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Science, Technology
• Grade Level : 6-8, 9-12
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Networks and The Internet, Data Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Collaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems
• Materials:
  • Micro:bit, hot wheels or some other type of toy car, ramp, duct tape, computers to upload data, lab worksheet or form.
• Considerations:
  • Teachers will need to have most of the code generated for in makecode.org and will need to provide formulas and assistance in calculations

Lesson Plan

Overview

Students will be exploring potential and kinetic energy (how mass and velocity changes KE, when does an object have the most/least potential). They will have cars of different masses, with microbits attached, and a ramp to complete their trials. Afterwards, students will upload data, make graphs of the data, and interpret how different variables affected potential and kinetic energy.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

1. At which point is potential energy greatest?
2. What kind of energy is stored energy?
3. The faster an object moves, the ________ kinetic energy it has.
4. What kind of energy is in a moving skateboard?
5. What kind of energy is in a rock at the edge of a cliff?

OBJECTIVES

1. Students will be able to manipulate mass and velocity to change an object’s kinetic energy
2. Students will be able to upload, analyze, and interpret data from the microbit

CATCH/HOOK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCKeniklH_c

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

1. In Question
2. Hook
3. PreTest
4. Help students with microbits
5. Students complete lab
6. Students import data and create a graphical representation
7. 3,2,1 Exit Question

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

3,2,1 exit question: What’s 3 things you learned, two things you thought were interesting, and 1 question do you still have?

STANDARDS