How is your body similar to a car?

How is your body similar to a car?
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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DISCUSS:

Do you think the "energy" used by people and the "energy" used by cars is the same thing? Why or why not?

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DISCUSS:

Where does this get its energy from?

toy-car

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DISCUSS:

The more you stretch a rubber band, the faster an object goes. Why?

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energy


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the ability to do an action
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motion


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a change in the position of an object
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speed


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how fast something is moving
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stored energy


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energy that is not in use, but is saved inside something, such as batteries or rubber bands
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model


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a pretend version of something that scientists use when the real thing is too big, small, or complicated to work with
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fair test


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an experiment where only one thing is changed, and everything else stays the same
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Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep

THIS LESSON WAS REVISED ON APRIL 27, 2019. Here is a link to the previous version.
In this lesson, students learn that we use the energy from food to make our bodies move just like cars use the energy from gasoline to move. In the activity, Twist-o-matic Tester, students build paper models of an amusement park ride called the Twist-o-Matic. The ride stores energy in rubber bands and spins around when the energy is released. Students compare the speed of the spins when they use a thin rubber band versus a thick rubber band.

Preview activity
Number of students:

I have a Mystery Pack

Twist-O-Matic printout
Students working alone will need 2 copies of this template. 		2 per pair
Twist-O-Matic Challenges worksheet 1 per student
Twist-O-Matic Challenges Answer Key teacher-only resource 1 per class
Crayons
Each student needs two colors that can be easily distinguished from one another, like orange and blue.
Details
2 per student
Hardcover Books
Books must be heavy enough to keep a ruler hanging halfway off a table.
Details
2 books per pair
Rulers
2 rulers per pair
Scissors
1 pair per student
Rubber Bands (#16)
Any rubber band that is 1/16" wide.
Details
1 band per pair
Rubber Bands (#62)
Any rubber band that is 1/4" wide.
Details
1 band per pair
Small Binder Clips (3/4")
4 clips per pair
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own, but they will need to make two models so that they can compare and contrast what happens when using the thin versus thick rubber band.

Prepare the Classroom Space

Student pairs will need to set up two Twist-O-Matic models next to each other for easier comparison between the thin and thick rubber bands. Each model takes up the space of about one student desk, so it is easiest if student pairs are sitting next to one another.

Exploration

16 mins

Hands-On Activity

40 mins

Wrap-Up

4 mins

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