Work and Energy Labs
The following PDF files represent a collection of Lab write ups pertaining to the topic of Work and Energy. The Labs are synchronized to readings from the Tutorial, missions of the Minds On activities, and more. Teachers may print these Labs and their related Ruberics and use them freely with their classes. Learn more about creating a Lab Notebook for these activities as well as Reporting and Guidelines.
Available Labs
Select a Lab below to learn more about it, or download the teacher guide and other supporting documents.
It's All Uphill Lab
What effect does varying the angle of incline have upon the force needed to pull a cart up a hill at a constant speed to the same height? What effect does a varying incline angle have upon the work done?
It's All Uphill - The Sequel Lab
What effect does the height of the final destination have upon the work done to pull a cart up an incline at constant speed? What is the mathematical equation expressing the relationship between the work and the height?
Powerhouse Lab
What is my power requirement for climbing a staircase - both by walking and by running?
Marble Energy Lab
What is the effect of varying the release location of a marble along an incline upon the distance which the marble drives a paper plow along a level table? Can an equation be written which describes the effect (presuming that there is one)?
Marble Energy II Lab
What effect does the angle of an incline have upon the distance which a rolling marble drives a paper plow along a level table?
Work-Kinetic Energy Lab
What is the relationship between the work done upon a cart and the kinetic energy change of the cart as it is pulled along a level surface by a horizontal force?
Energy on an Incline Lab
What is the total amount of mechanical energy for a cart moving along an incline plane at five different locations? How do the results compare to the expected results?
Energy of a Pendulum Lab
What is the total amount of mechanical energy for a pendulum bob at three different locations along its path? How do the results compare to the expected results?
Spring Energy Lab
What is the total amount of mechanical energy for a mass on a spring at four different locations along its trajectory? How do the results compare to the expected results?
Stopping Distance Lab
What is the mathematical relationship between the stopping distance of a car and the initial speed of the car before braking?
All Work and No Play Lab
How does the work done upon a cart compare to the potential energy change of the cart as it is pulled up a hill at a constant speed by a horizontal force?