This document provides an overview of a science lesson that will use an online simulation to help students understand energy conversion in a pendulum. Students will observe how the potential and kinetic energy of a swinging pendulum change over time, identify where each is maximized, interpret a graph of the energies, and calculate different energies and velocities of a pendulum based on its height. Key vocabulary and homework are also outlined.

1. FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2013
Science focus: understanding energy conversion in
a pendulum
Language focus: vocabulary
Technology focus: using a gizmo
Materials
• Computer (log on): open e-mail with username & password
• Science notebook with homework notes
• Pencil, eraser, highlighter

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TODAY, I WILL
 Observe how the potential energy, kinetic energy, and total
energy of a pendulum change over time as a pendulum
swings.
 Identify the part of a pendulum swing in which potential
energy is maximized and the part in which kinetic energy is
maximized.
 Interpret a graph of potential and kinetic energy.
 Calculate the potential energy of a pendulum.
 Calculate the kinetic energy and velocity of a pendulum
based on its height change.

3. Homework
 For first Science block next week
 Read & complete the handout. Hand it in to your
Science teacher.

4. VOCABULARY
conservation of energy
gravitational potential energy (GPE)
kinetic energy (EK or KE)
oscillation (time period)
pendulum
potential energy (EP or PE)
velocity (v)

5. What do you know already?

6. Webtool Introduction
 Website URL – www.explorelearning.com
 Login: use USERNAME and PASSWORD that was sent
 You should see the Science 8 page
 Look for the POWER heading

7. Warm-up Gizmo:
Period of a Pendulum
 We may have technological difficulties. If we do, there is
a back-up plan.