2. Watermelon & Rubber Band Phenomenon

3. Predict: What will happen if you put several rubber bands around a watermelon?

4. Video

5. What is the science behind the watermelon exploding
What is the science behind the watermelon exploding? What causes it to expand and change shape?

6. - Rubber bands are a great example of potential energy
- Rubber bands are a great example of potential energy.  Potential energy is energy that is stored up, not being used, just waiting to be unleashed.  Think about when you stretch a rubber band, then let go and it snaps back.  It’s using up its potential energy. - When potential energy is used up, it becomes kinetic energy—energy in motion.  So all those rubber bands around the watermelon are stretched out and full of potential energy, ready to snap back.  - the strength of the rubber bands’ potential energy will put enough force on the watermelon to squeeze the top and bottom of the melon apart.  The rubber bands will cut through the melon and contract.