Research Question: Can you prove the Conservation of Energy?

In this investigation, you will:

1. Describe the relationship between potential and kinetic energy of the Skater.
2. Explain how energy is conserved.
3. Calculate the total energy of the Skater.
4. Calculate the maximum velocity and height of the Skater.

Introduction: The Energy of the Skateboarder

Please start writing your introduction to you lab. In it, please include the following information:
1. Please record the equations you will use to calculate the potential and kinetic energies.
2. Please draw a picture of the track and label the following:
a. The points of the LARGEST and SMALLEST potential energies.
b. The points of the LARGEST and SMALLEST kinetic energies.

Procedure: Determine the Energy of the Skater

Please use the application called Energy-Skate-Park that simulates a skateboarder on a track.
To understand the skater's motion, you need to take some measurements. Use the following
masses: Small = 20 kg, in the middle = 60 kg and big = 100 kg. Please record this.
3. Use the Grid to measure different distances you will need to use. Please record the
measurements on your track.
4. Record how you are collecting data and the procedure you are using to collect the data.
Be very SPECIFIC the purpose of a procedure is to record enough detail so someone
else could get your exact data by performing your experiment.
5. CHANGE THE TRACK AND REPEAT the experiment. Please draw the new track you
are using.

Data
Please create a table to record your data. Work with your lab group to determine what
information you are going to need in order to calculate the potential and kinetic energies.

Analysis, Results and Conclusions

Analysis:
1. Calculate the total energy of the Skater.
2. Calculate the height the skater reaches on the opposite side of the track (for the U).
3. Calculate the maximum velocity of the Skater (determine where that will be!)

Results:
4. What kind of energy does the Skater have right before it is released from the top of the
hill? How much is it?
5. What happens to the Skaters kinetic energy as it moves down the hill? Use your data to
support this.
6. What happens to the Skaters potential energy as it moves down the hill? Use your data
to support this.

Conclusion (use your data to support this):

7. Describe the relationship between potential and kinetic energy of the Skater. Use your
data to show this relationship.
8. Explain how energy is conserved. Use your data to show the relationship.
Energy Skate Park Investigation

Directions: Grade your report based on the following criteria. Please make sure you have
included the answers to all of the questions posed in each section.
Tch. Self. (the questions/parts are described here)
Advanced: 25 28 points = A
4 4 includes all Proficient criteria AND
4 4 Apply the definition to a situation or use an example to explain. (Intro #1)
4 4 Create an example of a representation. (Intro #2)
4 4 Identify another relationship that shows the same understanding. (Conclusion
#s 7 and 8)
4 4 Derive an equation from a data set. (Analysis #s 1 3)
4 4 Evaluate the investigations design to ensuring variables are controlled.
(Procedure)
4 4 Collect data to identify failure points or improve performance. (Data)
4 4 Use valid and reliable evidence that prove the theories and laws that describe
the natural world. (Results and Conclusions)
Proficient: 20 24 points = B
3 3 Can say it in ones own words. (Intro #1)
3 3 Can explain representation or model in own words. (Intro #2)
3 3 Can explain relationship in own words. (Conclusion #s 7 and 8)
3 3 Can identify the correct equation to use in a situation and solve correctly.
(Analysis #s 1 3)
3 3 Consider external factors that affect the outcome of the experiment.
(Procedure)
3 3 Collect data to serve as basis for evidence to support hypothesis. (Data)
3 3 Use valid and reliable evidence obtained from multiple sources, including data,
content-rich texts, and students own experiments. (Results and Conclusion)
Basic: 15 19 points = C
2 2 Can recite the definitions in nerd. (Intro #1)
2 2 Can explain representation or model in the words of the source. (Intro #2)
2 2 Can recite relationship in nerd. (Conclusion #s 7 and 8)
2 2 Can use equation to solve a problem but sometimes does not calculate
correctly. (Analysis #s 1 3)
2 2 Plan an investigation and identify variables, controls, and tools needed to
gather information. (Procedure)
2 2 Make observations and collect measurements to produce data. (Data)
2 2 Use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to support a claim or
explanation. (Results and Conclusion)
Novice (Revise PLEASE!)
Meets fewer than _____ of the Criteria for Success.
Energy Skate Park Investigation

Directions: Check off the criteria that your work meets.

Tch. Self.
Advanced: 21 25 points = A
Includes all Proficient criteria AND
1 The explanations and applications are in your own words
1 You used more than one track
1 The results and conclusions are supported by the data
1 The velocity calculation is correct!
1 The report is well written and complete for each section
Proficient: 15 20 points = B
Includes all Basic criteria AND
1 All drawings are correctly labeled and identified
1 The procedure is complete it includes #5! (Procedure)
1 The data table also includes external factors (Data)
1 Analysis calculations are correct (Analysis #s 1 and 2 ONLY)
1 The results and conclusions questions are answered correctly (#4 8)
1 Data is used to support the answers in the Conclusion section
Basic: 14 points = C
2 Recorded the equations to calculate KE and PE (Introduction #1)
2 Drawing of the track is included and labeled correctly (Introduction #2)
2 Explained the relationship between KE and PE (Conclusion #7)
2 The procedure is written but contains mistakes or is incomplete (Procedure)
2 Data table is created but not complete with external factors (Data)
2 Calculations are attempted (Analysis)
2 The results and conclusions questions are attempted but not correct (Results and
Conclusions)
Novice (Revise PLEASE!)
meets fewer than 7 of the Criteria for Success

Total points: _____