Oklahoma Science 7.PS3.2
The Standard
Develop or modify a model to describe that when objects interacting at a distance change their arrangement, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (2026)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students draw or revise a model of two objects that push or pull without touching. They show how changing the distance between the objects changes the potential energy stored in the pair.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can show that pushing two repelling magnets closer stores more potential energy. Their model labels both magnets, shows the change in distance, and predicts that the magnets will move apart when released.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may say the energy is stored in just one magnet, rather than in the pair. They may also assume that moving objects closer always increases potential energy, even when the objects attract.
How to Assess It
- Draw two pairs of repelling magnets, one pair 1 cm apart and one pair 5 cm apart. Ask students to circle the pair with more potential energy and add an arrow showing what happens when released.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have students push two bar magnets together with like poles facing, feel the push, then sketch the magnets before and after release.
Ask students to write: Why do repelling magnets move apart when you let go, even though they never touched?
Give pairs cards showing repelling magnets 1, 3, and 6 cm apart; have them rank the cards by stored potential energy.
Hold a fridge magnet 1 cm and 3 cm from a steel cabinet; ask students which position stores more energy before release.
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Printable 7.PS3.2 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- PH.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.
- PS.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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