MS-PS3-2
The standard
Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to make a clear model showing two objects that interact without touching, and explain how changing their positions or orientation changes stored potential energy. They are not calculating. They are comparing more, less, or different stored energy in gravitational, magnetic, or electric systems.
Mastery looks like a labeled diagram, picture, or written model that names the two-object system, shows distance or orientation changes, and connects those changes to potential energy. Students often mix up potential and kinetic energy, forget to define the system, or say energy is “in” one object instead of stored in the interaction between objects.
Ways to teach it
- Have students move magnets at different distances and orientations, then draw three labeled models showing relative stored potential energy.
- Prompt students to explain which has more stored energy, a book on a high shelf or low shelf, and why.
- Show three balloon and hair diagrams, then ask students to rank the stored potential energy and justify one choice.
- Connect to a roller coaster hill by having students sketch where the cart has more or less stored gravitational energy.
Plan a lesson for MS-PS3-2
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Related standards
- HS-PS3-2
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.
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Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy f...
- HS-PS1-4
Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.