General Lab Information

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Potential & Kinetic Energy

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Students perform a roller-and-ramp, pendulum, or bouncing ball experiment to determine how the height of an object affects the distance it travels. Students collect and analyze data to determine the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. 

Vocabulary: energy, inertia, kinetic, potential

Session Information: This activity is available in-person or virtually.

In-Person Session Information Virtual Session Information
  • Session times are Tuesday - Friday, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 2 p.m.
  • Activities are pre-selected based on grade level
  • Up to two classes per session, maximum 30 students/class
  • Session times are Tuesday - Friday, 10 - 10:30 a.m., 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., and 12:30 - 1 p.m.
  • Select one activity
  • Up to two classes per session
  • Teachers will receive detailed Teacher Notes guide upon booking
  • Secure link to Zoom.gov videoconferencing platform will be provided

All in-person activities are interactive, hands-on student experiences guided by our instructors. All virtual activities are interactive, instructor-led experiences that are either facilitated with students using materials from school/home or demonstration-based if students do not have access to materials.

New York State Standards

New York State Science Learning Standards

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Crosscutting Concepts

Science and Engineering Practices

PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

Patterns

Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Prediction

Energy and Matter: Flow, Cycles, and Conservation

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Next Generation English Language Arts Standards

Speaking and Listening

Language

Comprehension and Collaboration

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

 

Contact

Office of Educational Programs
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Building 438
Upton, NY 11973-5000

About Us

Using the unique scientific tools and intellectual resources of Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Office of Educational Programs prepares the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians, and educators. Our team comprises scientists, science educators, and engineers to develop and facilitate workforce development and education initiatives that support the scientific mission of Brookhaven Lab and the U.S. Department of Energy.


Program Audience

4th Grade