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Science Launch G4 / Week 01 / Launch Lab
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Week 01 · Speed and Energy

Launch Lab

Launch Lab: Roll and measure
// Faster things carry more energy
⏱ about 15 min

Launch Lab: Roll and measure

Saturday morning, Rocket lines up an empty cardboard box at the end of the hallway.

"Family challenge," he says. "Who can roll a ball so the box slides the farthest?"

Raven sets down a tape measure. "Before we roll, let's guess. What do you notice about the hardest rolls?"

Nova perches on the bookshelf. "My hint," she says, "is to use the same ball each time. Then only the speed changes."

Everyone grabs a spot on the floor.

  1. Energy is present whenever there are moving objects, sound, light or heat.
  2. Motion energy is the energy of moving things.
  3. For the same object, faster means more energy.
  4. A fair test changes only one thing at a time.
  5. Measurements that agree are strong evidence.
◇ ROLL AND MEASURE
Put an empty box at the end of a hallway.
Each person rolls the same ball gently. Measure how far the box slides.
Now each person rolls the ball faster. Measure again.
Compare the gentle rolls with the fast rolls.
Safety first
Roll the ball along the floor only.
Keep the hallway clear of feet and pets.
For a grown-up
Ask: What did you notice? What would you change?
Point out that the ball stayed the same and only its speed changed.
If results were mixed, ask how you could make the test more fair.
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
The same ball is rolled slow, then fast. Which roll should slide the box farther?
Why use the same ball every time?
For the same object, faster means ____ energy.
A fair test changes only ____ thing.
Name one sign that energy is present.
WHY THIS EXERCISEMotion, sound, light and heat all show energy is present.

You finished Week 1! Next week we crash things on purpose, safely, to see where energy goes.

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