4th Graders explored Potential and Kinetic Energy through the Hotwheels Speedometry curriculum. First, they explored making ramps. They started with a ramp that was one book high, and measured how far their car went. Then, they added 2, 3, and 4 books. They ran 3 trials each time and found the mean and created a bar graph of their results. Next, the explored using clamps to attach their ramp to a shelf to make their hill higher and subsequently increase the potential energy of their car. Students also explored different variables like the aerodynamics of the different models of cars and friction of surfaces. Here is a video summary of their work:
Ambridge Full STEAM Ahead 