Eighth graders learn the two great forms of mechanical energy — potential energy (stored, from position) and kinetic energy (of motion) — and how energy transforms between them, as in a roller coaster or a bouncing ball.
Students will be able to…
At the top of a roller-coaster hill, you pause — storing energy. Then you plunge, and that stored energy becomes speed. What are these two forms of energy, and how do they trade off?
Project each item and have students answer about kinetic and potential energy. The tool explains stored vs. motion energy.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
At the top of a coaster hill you pause, then plunge — what’s happening to the energy?
Students investigate.
Students explain.
Students elaborate.
Students conclude.
Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (Middle School Physical Science).
Analyze data on the relationship between kinetic energy, mass, and speed.
Develop a model of potential energy stored in a system.
Explain that energy is transferred when objects interact.
Developing and using models.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students trace how energy transforms between potential and kinetic all the way through a roller-coaster ride, and explain why energy is conserved. A printable energy sheet is in the Science library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.