A Great Group / Collaboration Activity to begin teaching the Ideas of Potential and Kinetic Energy.
A stick bomb is a (mechanical) spring-loaded device constructed out of popsicle sticks woven together under a bending moment.
Physics Classroom is intended for beginning physics/physical science students of all ages and their teachers. It offers a tutorial, interactives, concept builders, Shockwave studios, multimedia studios, and much more. This free web-site contains lessons, interactives, simulations, photo galleries, laboratory exercises, and the option to purchase additional assessment materials/ and for educators.
Students identify and describe potential and kinetic energy changes that happen on a roller coaster track.
Students explore the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in roller coasters while competing to score the most points. The track is made of foam pipe insulation available at home improvement stores, and the riders are marbles and or steel bearings. Two versions of the activity are attached. The full activity can take up to a week and includes greater detail, calculations of PE and KE and reflection questions. The inquiry only version is used as an introduction activity only and takes only two class periods.