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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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!

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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.