INQUIRY: EXPLORING ENERGY CONSERVATION EQ: What is energy, and how can it be conserved?

SUMMARY  In this inquiry, you will investigate the Law of Conservation of Energy.  This inquiry is an open, hands-on learning activity  You will be demonstrating how to maximize the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.  You will be provided with:  A Matchbox/Hot Wheels car  A ruler  Necessary materials as needed (and available!)  You will need to supply:  Notebook paper  Background info  You may request additional materials needed to carry out your tests  As a group, you will develop and carry out the inquiry using the steps of the Scientific Method to achieve the goal of finding the maximum conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy

STEP ONE: PROBLEM (WRITE THIS STATEMENT WORD FOR WORD ON YOUR PAPER)  PROBLEM: How can one maximize the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy?

STEP 2: RESEARCH  Use:  Graphic Organizers  The Anchor Notes  Technology  The car and ruler  Research and build your background on which factors will enable your group to maximize the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy (10 minutes)

STEP 3: HYPOTHESIS  Identify 3 independent variables  Dependent variable: maximum kinetic energy  As a group, develop a TESTABLE hypothesis written in the if, then form

STEP 4: EXPERIMENT  List out the materials you will be using  Write specific and detailed instructions on how you plan to exploit the Law of Conservation of Energy to change potential energy into kinetic energy

STEP 5: COLLECT DATA  Design data tables for each independent variable (you should have a total of 6 tables)  Carry out your procedures and collect data  Make a bar graph to show your results of each tested independent variable

STEP 6: CONCLUSION  Write a concluding paragraph  Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis  Summarize the data and highlight significant data, differences, and/or trends  Include key facts from the background research to help explain the results as needed  If appropriate, state the relationship between the independent and dependent variable  Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design)  and/or possibilities for further study