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Potential & Kinetic Energy

ELED 3261 Science Teaching Methods-Dr. Linda Keen-Rocha By: April Clark, Michelle Vo, Tiffany Johnson
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Lesson Introduction:

 Point out the pictures on the first slide that introduces potential and kinetic
energy.

 Engage the students by asking them questions relating to the pictures like,
“How can batteries show potential energy? They “store” energy.”

 “How does the skateboard show kinetic energy? It is moving along the
ground. How does the skateboarder show kinetic energy? His body is
moving.”

 The roller-coaster will be mentioned later in the PowerPoint, so make sure

to introduce it to the students.

 Note: Most pictures are animated but only appear when in slide show
mode.
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What is potential energy? stored

Where can we find it? In between movement

Albert Einstein was a brilliant physicist. How does the Yo-Yo he is

pointing to represent potential energy? When the Yo-Yo is in the palm
of his hand it’s energy is stored. When the Yo-Yo is released, and is
waiting to be pulled back up, that is potential energy.
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What is kinetic energy? It is the energy of motion.

When Tom is chasing Jerry, where is the kinetic energy?

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Potential energy is…

 Stored Energy

 Held within a gravitational field

 Changed to motion energy

What happens to the potential energy if the pendulum stops?If is stops the energy still
exists, it is stored, energy changes to kinetic once it is moving again.
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Kinetic energy is…

 The energy of motion

 The ability to do work

 Work that is done when something is moved.

 The greater mass and speed of an object the more kinetic energy.
Example: A train that is coming down a hill.
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How does this airplane use potential
and kinetic energy?

When the plane is stopped on the runway, the potential energy is stored in anticipation for take-off. As the
propeller starts to turn and moves the plane forward the energy changes to kinetic because movement is
happening. As the plane accelerates, the kinetic energy also increases because with increased mass and speed
the more energy is being exerted. Once the plane lands, the potential energy is still stored until
take-off again.
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Name ways that you exhibit potential
and kinetic energy…

We are on the Move…

Let’s watch a short cartoon that gives examples of kinetic energy!

Click Here
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Roller-Coasters…Ready, Set, Go!

When a roller-coaster is on its way up, it is using kinetic energy since the
energy is in motion. When it reaches the top it has potential (or stored)
energy. When it goes down the hill it is using kinetic energy again.
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Review Time
 What is kinetic energy?
What are some examples of kinetic
energy?
How is potential energy measured?
 What is potential energy?
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Review Time

 Kinetic Energy is energy that is in motion.

 Moving water and wind are good examples of kinetic energy.

 Electricity is also kinetic energy because even though you can't see it
happen, electricity involves electrons moving in conductors.

 Potential Energy is measured in the amount of "work" it does.

 Potential Energy is stored energy.

 Examples of potential energy are oil sitting in a barrel, or water in a lake in

the mountains. This energy is referred to as potential energy, because if it
were released, it would do a lot of work.

 Energy can change from one form to another.

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Other Types of Energy

 Mechanical Energy is the energy of motion that does the work. An

example of mechanical energy is the wind as it turns a windmill.

 Thermal energy is energy that is pushed into motion by using heat.

An example is a fire in your fireplace.

 Chemical Energy is energy caused by chemical reactions. A good

example of chemical energy is food when it is cooked.

 Electrical Energy is when electricity creates motion, light or heat. An

example of electrical energy is the electric coils on your stove.

 Gravitational Energy is motion that is caused by gravity. An example

of gravitational energy is water flowing down a waterfall.
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Congratulations! You are on your way
to being a brilliant physicist.

Lesson Closure: How do fireworks represent potential and kinetic

energy?
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Additional Resources:

 Potential and Kinetic Energy Games

 Search Engine for Images & Information

 Links to more Potential and Kinetic Energy Lesson Plans and Activiti
es