Kinetic and Potential Energy Webquest
Potential energy is the same as stored energy. The "stored" energy is held within the gravitational field. The word "kinetic" is derived from the Greek word meaning to move, and the word "energy" is the ability to move. Thus, "kinetic energy" is the energy of motion --it's ability to do work.
Objective(s):
Distinguish between kinetic and potential energy. ( PS-H-F2)
Describe how energy is conserved when changing from one form to another. ( PS-H-F2)
Apply the law of conservation of energy to familiar situations. ( PS-H-F2)
Introduction:
You are an energy engineer employed by Energy Quest Incorporated. Your job is to research the different energies that exist that are related to kinetic and potential energy. You will encounter several links that are provided for research, quizzes, real-life experiments, and online activities. Theses links will help development an understanding of what Potential and Kinetic energy are and how they can be found in the world around you.
Task:
You will navigate through several links and answer questions. You will place your answers on the “Task Information” sheet provided. Each website is designed to demonstrate information about both kinetic and potential energy. Through interactive activities, your knowledge of potential vs. kinetic energy will be reinforced
Process 1:
Go to http://homepage.mac.com/sklemmer/Essentials%20I/ess2b.htm
Ø Click on “ Concept Map”
Ø Complete a concept map found in your package. The concept map is similar to the concept map found on this link.
Ø In the “ Summary Section” compare and contrast kinetic and potential energy.
Process 2: Go back to http://homepage.mac.com/sklemmer/Essentials%20I/ess2b.htm
Ø Click on “ Practice Test” and answer questions 1-6 from Part 1
Ø Write your answers on the “ Task Information” sheet
Process 3: Go to http://www.quia.com/cz/8072.html . Take the Potential vs. Kinetic Quiz
Ø Click on “ Click here to begin”
Ø Answer the questions
Ø Click “ check answers”. Correct any incorrect answers
Ø Click “ Next exercise” and answer the following questions
Ø Click “ check answers”. Correct any incorrect answers
Ø Click” next exercise” and answer the following questions
Ø Once you have collected 3 coins, you may exit and go on to the next task.
Process 4. Now I think that you are ready for the “Big League”!!!
Go to : http://www.quia.com/rr/35748.html .
Play
“ Who Wants to be a Millionaire:
Energy Edition
GOOD LUCK!!!!
· You only get TWO chances to try and win $1,000,000
Ø Click on “ Click here to begin”
Ø Answer the questions (You may receive hints from the computer)
Ø Write the amount of money won from the 1st and the 2nd attempt on the “Task Information” sheet.
Ø Once you have attempted twice to win the $1,000,000 move on to the next task.
Process 5
Roller coasters, like other amusement park rides, are designed using physics laws.
View the following clip about roller coasters and the laws of physics.
Go to: http://school.discovery.com/ontv/videoclips/physicalsci1.html
Ø Click on: Roller Coaster Physics
Ø Open the file
Ø View the clip on Roller Coasters & Physics
Process
6 
Now try your hand at designing your own roller coaster. Build your coaster using the concepts of physics and what you have learned about kinetic and potential energy.
Go to: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/ and create your own roller coaster.
Ø Click “ Begin”
Ø Select the “ Height of the First Hill”
Ø Then click “ next piece”
Ø Select the “Shape of the First Hill”
Ø Then click “ next piece: exit path”
Ø Select the “ Exit Path”
Ø Then click “ next piece”
Ø Select the “ Height of the Second Hill”
Ø Then click “next piece”
Ø Select the “Loop”
Ø Click “ See Your Roller Coaster”
q Draw your roller coaster on the “ Task Information “ sheet
q Label the points where GPE and KE occur
q What were your safety ratings?
q What was your fun rating?
Ø Click on “ your safety inspections” and tell whether or not your roller coaster passes safety inspections.
Ø Summarize each step’s explanation of your ratings
Process 7
Before your energy quest assignment is complete, you are to take the Potential vs. Kinetic Energy Quiz
Go to: http://www.quia.com/jq/55465.html
Ø Begin answering the questions
Ø Complete the quiz, without starting over, and write your score on the “Task Information” sheet.
Evaluation:
You will be evaluated according to the rubric that is provided in your webquest package.
Conclusion
Reflections…
Your final task is to write a summary of what you have learned through this webquest. Include ways that this webquest has helped you gain a better understanding of kinetic and potential energy. Complete the reflections on the “Task Information” sheet.