1.Only thermal energy transfers; 'cold' is absence of thermal
energy
2.Temperature measures average kinetic energy; heat is energy
transfer
3.Metals conduct heat faster, so they feel cold by drawing heat from
your hand
4.Energy is conserved; it transforms between forms but total amount
stays constant
[!] STUDY GUIDE: Big Ideas
Use to answer form questions!
1.Energy comes in two main forms: kinetic and potential.
Kinetic energy is motion energy; potential energy is stored energy
based on position or condition.
2.Gravitational potential energy depends on height.
Higher objects have more PE. When objects fall, PE converts to
KE.
3.Energy transforms but is NEVER destroyed. Total
mechanical energy (PE + KE) stays constant in ideal systems.
Friction converts some to thermal energy.
Top of Hill (Max PE)->PE to KE->Bottom (Max KE)->KE to PE->Next Hill
ENERGY TRANSFORMATION: PE <-> KE (Total stays constant!)
[#] KEY TERMS
Define in YOUR words
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion
Potential Energy
Stored energy (position/condition)
Gravitational PE
PE due to height above ground
Conservation
Total energy stays the same
[?] THE PHENOMENON
Write BEFORE Hook form
How do roller coasters work without engines on most of the track?
After the initial climb, roller coasters speed through loops and
hills with no motor. Where does the energy come from to keep it
moving?
Your initial thinking:
[>] AFTER HOOK FORM
Reflect, then continue+2 pts
I learned that...
Station 1 — Energy Transformation Lab
When the skater is at the top...
When the skater is at the bottom...
Key insight:
Station 2 — Energy Conservation Analysis
Total energy at start =
Total energy at end =
Key insight:
[/] DAY 1 EXIT TICKET
Complete before leaving+5 pts
Q1:
A ball at the top of a ramp has 100J of potential energy. What
happens to this energy as it rolls down?
Q2:
Why can't the next hill on a roller coaster be higher than the first
drop? Explain using energy.
Confidence:
Kinetic & Potential Energy (continued)ANSWER KEY
Name:
[=]Day 2 start
Station 3 — Design a Roller Coaster
My first hill height =
Energy at start (PE) =
Why my design works:
Key insight:
[+] MAKING CONNECTIONS
Use for Exit Ticket!
How does thermal energy from Weeks 1-4 connect to kinetic energy?
(Hint: particle motion)
Where does the "lost" energy go when a roller coaster slows down due
to friction?
[/] DAY 2 EXIT TICKET
Final check before Science Circle+5 pts
Q1 (NEW):
If energy can't be destroyed, why does a bouncing ball eventually
stop bouncing?
Q2 (SPIRAL-W4):
During a phase change, particles gain energy but temperature stays
constant. Where does the energy go?
Q3 (INTEGRATION):
How do potential and kinetic energy transform in a roller coaster?
Use a specific point on the track as an example.
CHECKTEST YOUR THINKINGRate each: FALSE ← 1–2–3–4–5 → TRUE
1. Cold can transfer from one object to another
F12345T
2. Temperature and heat are the same thing
F12345T
3. Metals are naturally colder than other materials
F12345T
4. Energy can disappear or be used up
F12345T
5. Only thermal energy transfers; 'cold' is absence of thermal energy
F12345T
Pick any TWO statements — especially any you rated 2, 3, or 4. Justify your rating with evidence:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
[O] SCIENCE CIRCLE
~15 min | End of week+3 pts
[!] My "Aha!" Moment
[?] My Remaining Question
Discussion Protocol: Share ahas, listen actively,
record class discoveries.