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Science Launch G4 / Week 04 / Launch Lab
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Week 04 · Energy Converter

Launch Lab

Launch Lab: Roller redesign
// Design a device that changes energy
⏱ about 15 min

Launch Lab: Roller redesign

Rocket sets his comeback roller on the living room rug. It rolls away, slows, stops, and creeps back just a little.

"The rug is eating my energy," he groans.

Raven grins. "That gives us a design challenge. What do you notice about the rug compared with the smooth floor?"

Nova perches on the arm of the couch. "My hint," she says. "Change one thing at a time. Then you will know what helped."

  1. Energy converts from one form to another. It is never made from nothing.
  2. Rubber bands, springs, batteries, food and fuel store energy.
  3. Devices convert stored energy into motion, light, sound or heat.
  4. Generators convert motion energy into electricity.
  5. Engineers list criteria and constraints, then test and improve.
◇ ROLLER REDESIGN
Agree on one criterion together, such as rolling back at least 1 meter.
Agree on your constraints, such as only things already at home.
Each person suggests one change: a heavier weight, a different band or a smoother floor.
Test one change at a time. Keep the change if it helps.
For a grown-up
Ask: What did you notice? What would you change?
Ask which change helped most, and how they know.
Holes in the canister should be made by an adult.
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Why should you change only one thing at a time?
The family says, "Only use things already at home." Is that a criterion or a constraint?
To change energy from one form to another is to ____ it.
A twisted rubber band holds ____ energy.
Which floor helped your roller come back farther: smooth floor or rug?
WHY THIS EXERCISEA smooth floor rubs away less energy, so more is left for the comeback.

Week 4 complete, engineer! Next week we ask where our energy comes from in the first place.

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