Lesson 3: EQOD: Build a marshmallow catapult to demonstrate how potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy.

Initial Thoughts: Pumpkin Throwing! What did the boy scouts build in the video? Why were they successful at launching their pumpkins? When did the pumpkin have the most potential energy? What about kinetic energy? Start from 1:13 min

Evidence I: Catapult Building Materials: Shoebox/Cardboard 4 Rubber Bands 4 Popsicle Sticks 12 in. of Masking Tape 1 Plastic Spoon 1 Ruler 1 Pair of Scissors 1 Marshmallow

Evidence I: Catapult Building Step 1: Planning Each member of your team should spend 5 minutes drafting a picture of your catapult. Step 2: Agree to a Common Plan Share each other’s plan and create a common draft that combines the best ideas from each catapult to make your team catapult.

Evidence I: Catapult Building Step 3: Approval Pick one member of your team to get your plan approved by your teacher. Once approved you can begin building! Step 4: Test Model Once you’re finished building your model, pick a second person to come and grab a marshmallow to begin testing your catapult. Step 5: Modify Did it work? How can you make it better? If you can, do it!

Evidence I: Catapult Building Step 6: Finalize Changes and Compete Once you have your official model, get ready to compete The Team whose catapult can be launched the farthest will win a prize! The Team with the most creative catapult will also win a prize!

Evidence II Energy can be transferred between two different objects, changing from potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa. According to this picture, what type of energy does is this marshmallow carrying?

Evidence II Energy can be transferred between two different objects, changing from potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa. What about now? How did the energy change?

Analysis Questions In your model, when did the marshmallow have the most potential energy? What about the most kinetic energy? Was it easy to come up with a design for your catapult that everyone agreed with. Why or why not? If you could add one more piece to your catapult to create more potential energy for your marshmallow, what would it be and how would it help increase the kinetic energy of your marshmallow?

Reflection After looking at your peers’ models, draw a new catapult which synthesizes (combines) 3 of the best ideas from other models you saw in class. Answer the following questions: Why did you pick these ideas? Explain what makes this model more effective at increasing the kinetic energy of the marshmallow.

Reflection After looking at your peers’ models, draw a new catapult which synthesizes (combines) 3 of the best ideas from other models you saw in class. Answer the following questions: Why did you pick these ideas? Explain what makes this model more effective at increasing the kinetic energy of the marshmallow.

Summary Take 7 minutes to summarize what you learned about kinetic and potential energy while using a catapult. 4-5 Full and Complete Sentences.

Big Idea When two objects interact, each one exerts a force on the other that can cause energy to be transferred to or from the object.