Source: Lessons in Matter and Energy
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Lessons in Matter and Energy, from WOSU Public Media, is a series of eight learning modules that demonstrate physical science concepts and phenomena. The series captures some of the most engaging demonstrations presented at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. The demonstrations clarify essential properties of matter and the nature and transfer of energy. Accompanying each module is a Teacher’s Guide, on video, and a set of assessment tools which include suggested tasks to test comprehension, a scoring rubric and a student booklet. Lessons in Matter and Energy is intended to complement curricular resources in grades 4 to 8.
Teacher's Guide Video (Video)
Assessment (Document)
Student Booklet (Document)
The forms of energy can be categorized mainly into the energy of movement (kinetic) and stored energy (potential). One form of energy can be transformed into another. For example, on a roller coaster ride, energy is rapidly transformed from potential energy to kinetic energy when falling and from kinetic energy to potential energy when rising.
This demonstration uses a brachistochrone ramp to compare position and motion over time. It provides an answer to the question, “What is the path producing the shortest possible time for an object to descend from a given point to another point, under constant gravity with no friction?”
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