Kinetic energy, mass, and speed investigations NGSS MS PS3-1 CER

These two investigations (GOOGLE and PDF versions) allow students to develop an understanding of the relationship between kinetic energy and mass of an object, and kinetic energy and speed of an object. As students are collecting their own data, it is more understandable compared to being given data to analyze. This activity supports the NGSS standard MS PS3-1

A review (or introduction) of some of the key terms such as mass, kinetic energy, speed, energy transformations, and conservation of energy is given including a short activity where students “discover” the formula for speed. 

This is followed by an explanation of what happens to the kinetic energy of a meteorite when it crashes into the Earth forming a crater. In the two investigations students will be creating a collision between a ball (representing a meteorite) and a container of flour (representing the Earth). The kinetic energy of the ball (meteorite) will deform the flour surface (Earth’s surface) and the amount of deformation can be used to determine the kinetic energy of the ball.

Students will be designing and performing their experiment, collecting data, graphing  and analyzing the data to see the relationship between mass, speed, and kinetic energy.

They will use the CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) structure to write their conclusion.

Easily obtainable materials are used for these investigations  (see list below).

Answers (when appropriate) are given in the detailed teacher notes, and a rubric is included. 

The science and engineering practices below are incorporated in this investigation:

Developing and using models.

Planning and carrying out investigations.

Analyzing and interpreting data.

Using mathematics and computational thinking.

Engaging in argument from evidence.

The Cross Cutting Concept is incorporated in this investigation:

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity:

Proportional relationships among different types of quantities provide information about the magnitude of properties and processes.

Included in this resource:

Teacher slides (22 slides)

Detailed teacher notes (9 pages)

Printable student worksheets with activity instructions.(5 pages)

Sample answers including a rubric for the CER conclusion

Suggested materials needed:

Bowl of flour

Ball or play dough

Something to increase the mass such as dried beans or coins

Balance

Ruler 

Email any questions you have with subject line “Kinetic energy investigations” to us at engagersinscience@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to answer them

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