Science3-5
Energy at the Skate Park for 4th Grade
By Calita Z.
A short homework packet that has 4th graders examine a skater at three points on a ramp and fill in blanks about potential and kinetic energy. It builds vocabulary and the ability to connect energy changes to motion and height, and it uses diagrams as scaffolds throughout.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Assign as independent homework after a whole-class introduction to potential and kinetic energy, or use it as a 20-30 minute practice station during a science block.
- Discussion question: Where does the skater have the most potential energy, and what happens to that energy as the skater drops down the ramp?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Review the Key Terms together first, then have the student point to each skater position in the diagram and say whether it is high or low before writing the answer.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to predict where the skater would stop if friction were added, and explain how energy would be transferred to heat or sound.
- Estimated time: about 20-30 minutes, depending on how much support students need with the diagrams.
Science3-5
Energy at the Skate Park for 4th Grade
By Calita Z.
A short homework packet that has 4th graders examine a skater at three points on a ramp and fill in blanks about potential and kinetic energy. It builds vocabulary and the ability to connect energy changes to motion and height, and it uses diagrams as scaffolds throughout.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Assign as independent homework after a whole-class introduction to potential and kinetic energy, or use it as a 20-30 minute practice station during a science block.
- Discussion question: Where does the skater have the most potential energy, and what happens to that energy as the skater drops down the ramp?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Review the Key Terms together first, then have the student point to each skater position in the diagram and say whether it is high or low before writing the answer.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to predict where the skater would stop if friction were added, and explain how energy would be transferred to heat or sound.
- Estimated time: about 20-30 minutes, depending on how much support students need with the diagrams.