Name: ______________________ Core_______ Date_________________

Energy Skate Park Basics PhET Activity

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/energy-skate-park-basics/latest/energyskate-park-basics_en.html
Review: (fill in the blanks) (1.5 points)
Potential Energy is the energy _____________ in an object because of its
____________.
Kinetic Energy is the energy of _______________.
1. Explore the simulation titled Intro.
Question: What variables can be controlled/manipulated in the simulation? (2 points)
2. Investigate how the potential and kinetic energy of the skater change as the skater
moves from the top of the ramp to the bottom.
Fill in the blanks based on your observations: (1.5 points)
As the skateboard rolls down the ramp it loses ___________ energy and gains
___________ energy. The total energy of the skateboarder remains _____________.
3. Explore how the potential and kinetic energy change as the height of the
skateboarder changes. Fill in the table based on your observations. (2 points)
*Start the skater at a height of 6 meters and select the slow motion option.
Height of
Skater (m)
6
4
2
0

Which is greater? (circle your

answer)
Kinetic Energy
Potential
Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential
Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential
Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential
Energy

Question: At what height (m) is the kinetic energy equal to the potential energy? (2
points)
Question: What conclusions can you make about how the height of the skater
influences the potential and kinetic energy of the skater? *Use complete sentences
and/or a diagram to help! (2 points)

4. Explore using the Friction simulation identify the column in the bar graph labeled
Thermal. Begin the skater at 2m and observe the Thermal column as the skater
comes to a complete stop.

Question: Why does the column labeled Thermal equal the height of the column
labeled Total? (2 points)

4. Explore how the skaters change in speed relates to the potential and kinetic energy
of the skater. Fill in the table based on your observations. *Select the slow motion
option (3 points)
Speed

Which is greater?
(Potential or Kinetic
Energy)

What is least?
(Potential or Kinetic
Energy)

Question: How does the speed relate to the potential and kinetic energy of the skater?
(2 points)

5. Find ways to change the total energy bar. Use the table below to record your
observations. (2 points)
What did you do?
Increase the mass of the skater

The total energy. (circle your

answer)
Increases
Decreases
Increases

Decreases

6. Question: After our class discussion, what do you think the scientific term
conservation of energy means in terms of energy transfer? (2 points)

7. Conclusion: In 4-6 sentences describe the relationship between the skaters potential
energy, kinetic energy, and total energy. Use the tables/responses during this activity as
your evidence. Be sure to include the words potential, kinetic, and total energy in your
description. Please use a prewriting technique/strategy to organize your thoughts prior to
writing your scientific conclusion. *If you want a bonus point, include the phrase
conservation of energy in your response. (5 points)