Energy in Action - Mechanical Energy (VIDEO)

Energy in Action - Mechanical Energy

In Mechanical Energy, students learn how energy can be transferred from one object to another to make something move -- like wind blowing on a sail. Discover that mechanical energy can exist in two states: moving, or kinetic energy, and stored, or potential energy. A roller coaster is just one vivid example of how mechanical energy is constantly changing form -- from potential to kinetic -- and back again. Kids also discover that sound is mechanical energy, a concept that is explained visually through a fun demonstration. Simple machines are introduced as ways to use mechanical energy to make work easier. An engaging experiment allows kids to put their own mechanical energy to work.

Grades:  5 to 8