Grab bag: Work and Energy
This is a quick online activity to stimulate students in accessing prior learning about energy stores and processes and maybe to prompt further inquiry.
Click here to open the Phet simulation.
Set up the app as shown (make sure you are using the ‘friction’ option!)
Start with no friction.
Describe the energy transfers as the skater moves back and to on the track.
Show visually how the energy is transferred using a bar chart.
Write an equation that shows how the energy is transferred between stores.
Now increase friction.
Describe the energy transfers now.
Show how the energy is transferred now using a different bar chart.
Explain why the equation you wrote before no longer applies.
Find the friction that allows the skater to just get over the first hump in the track!
This task can be used to check for understanding / formatively assess in criterion A: Knowing and Understanding. Marking notes and a student can-do sheet can be found here.