Lesson Plan 5

Kinetic and Potential Energy
Physical science
by Ms. McCullough
Target grades:
9th grade through 12th grade
Time outline
Building: 10 min
Time to collect measurements: 15 min
Time to write a report: 20 min
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
Students Launch themselves into learning by building their own catapults in groups of
two. This project is used to teach kinetic energy, potential energy, and the process of
constructing a simple machine.
EDUCATION STANDARDS
HS-PS3-2. Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can
be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles
(objects) and energy associated with the relative position of particles (objects).
[Clarification Statement: Examples of phenomena at the macroscopic scale could include
the conversion of kinetic energy to thermal energy, the energy stored due to the position
of an object above the earth, and the energy stored between two electrically -charged
plates. Examples of models could include diagrams, drawings, descriptions, and
computer simulations.]
1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Simple machines are devices that use minimal parts in order to allow maximal
performance with a minimal amount of effort. There are six types of simple machines:
Inclined plane, lever, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, and screw. With this lesson, we will
use a lever to launch a small object of the students choosing. When someone uses the
catapult (lever) they push down creating a force (effort) and the force is then increased
in order to launch the chosen object.
OBJECTIVES
Students will develop a catapult to launch a small object of their choosing in order to
illustrate simple machines and projectile motion. Students will calculate kinetic and
potential energy formulas using the data they collect. Students will learn about levers
and different uses/types of simple machines. Students will also measure how far the
object they used got launched and they will find the average distance each launch made
after 5 launches.
MATERIALS NEEDED
8 Regular-Sized Craft Sticks
2 Large Craft Sticks
3 Rubber Bands
1 spoon
Any additional materials the students choose to add
2
A scale (provided in the classroom)
Measuring tape (provided in the classroom)
Timer
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Students will create their own catapult (they will not be provided with step by
steps but will have to discover on their own through research)
2. Students will work in groups of two to three.
3. Students will choose an object weigh it (in grams) and use it for their launch
experiment.
4. Students will use a meterstick taped vertically against the wall and videotape the
object traveling in the air. The students will use this video to find the maximum
height the object has in the air.
5. The students will compare the maximum heights of all five launches.
6. The students will also use this height to find the Potential energy of the object at
the top of the height and before the object is launched.
7. The students will time the object's time spent in the air in seconds.
8. Students will measure the distance the object travels for 5 launches and calculate
the average.
9. Students will show their work on how they calculated the kinetic and Potential
energy of their object.
10. Students will report on a worksheet provided all their measurements and
calculations and they will reflect on what changes they would make in order to
improve the simple machine.
ASSESSMENT
Students will turn in a worksheet that has all of the following:
A picture of their catapult
Calculations for kinetic and potential energy
Times recorded for the object in the air
Maximum heights recorded and the average height
3
Distances traveled and the average distance
Record any changes they would have done to improve their catapult
Record what the students learned
Who were their group members
Explanation of why using a lever for this project is best compared to other simple
machines
Define what a simple machine is and what simple machine they can recognize in the
classroom
TAKEAWAY
Students will be able to explain what a simple machine is and how it is used. Students
will feel more confident calculating potential energy and kinetic energy. Students will be
able to recognize simple machines in their everyday lives for example (the hinges on a
pair of glasses or the structure of a bulldozer).

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Kinetic and Potential Energy

9th grade through 12th grade

Time to collect measurements: 15 min

Time to write a report: 20 min

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

8 Regular-Sized Craft Sticks

2 Large Craft Sticks

Any additional materials the students choose to add

Measuring tape (provided in the classroom)

Students will turn in a worksheet that has all of the following:

A picture of their catapult

Calculations for kinetic and potential energy

Times recorded for the object in the air

Maximum heights recorded and the average height

Record what the students learned

Who were their group members

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