8th Graders Explore the Concepts of Motion and Energy

In their unit on the physics of energy, the 8th graders are exploring the connection between motion, kinetic, and potential energy. To translate these abstract concepts into hands-on experiences, they designed experiments using dropped masses (cans) and clay. They also designed follow-up experiments to quantify the relationship between drop elevation and kinetic energy. This week they are using these experiences as a jumping-off point for a discussion of energy transformations and the conservation of energy.