Energy and Matter in Earth Science - Fagan
From wiki.NGSciEd.org
Original Science Lab
During our unit on Earthquakes we discuss the deformation and stress of rock. We talk about how the build up of stress (potential energy) is converted to movement (kinetic energy) during the release of stress (earthquake). We usually take dowel rods and bend them to show the build up of stress (potential energy) and then the release of stress when the dowel rod breaks or rebounds to its original position / shape (kinetic energy). This lab speaks to but does not directly mention potential and kinetic energy.
Science Lab - Earthquakes and Energy
Grade level targeted:
- Sixth Grade Science
GPS Addressed:
- S6E5. Students will investigate the scientific view of how the earth’s surface is formed.
- e. Recognize that lithospheric plates constantly move and cause major geological events on the earth’s surface.
- S8P2. Students will be familiar with the forms and transformation of energy.
- b. Explain the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.
Background Information:
Management Considerations:
Common Misconceptions on this Topic
- Energy is truly lost in many energy transformations.
- Energy can be changed completely from one form to another (no energy losses).
- The only type of potential energy is gravitational.
- Doubling the speed of a moving object doubles the kinetic energy.
- Energy is a “thing.” This is a fuzzy notion, probably because of the way we talk about newton-meters or joules. It is difficult to imagine an “amount” of an abstraction.
- The terms “energy” and “force” are interchangeable.
Inquiry lab instructions
Explanation of how this lab Addresses Identified Misconceptions
Internet Resources:
Common Misconceptions in Science
Links to Lesson Related Resources
References:
