Lesson: EV3 - Potential Energy NGSS Lab
Overview:
The goal of this lesson is to apply NGSS science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts to developing an efficient robot. Students will design a robot to complete a job that is able to maximize its efficiency by utilizing knowledge about potential and kinetic energy.
SEPs used:
Defining problems
Developing models
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Designing solutions
DCIs addressed for Middle School grades 6-8:
Ps2-2, Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
ps3-2, Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
ets1-3, Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
ets1-4, Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
CCs discussed:
Cause and Effect
Scale, proportion, and quantity
System and System Models
Energy and matter
Structure and Function
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Define a problem that their robot can solve by using potential and kinetic energy.
2. Correlate the potential energy, kinetic energy, mass, gravity, and velocity of a system to the efficiency of their robot.
3. Calculate potential and kinetic energy as their robot performs a task.
4. Draw and label a model of their prototype and final design.
5. Build, test, and optimize their prototype to become more efficient (use less power).
6. Analyze and compare their robot’s efficiency to other robots in the class.
Instruction Guide:
Primary Instructional Material:
Summative Assessment:
Education Level:
Middle School
High School
Scope & Sequence:
Science
Focus Subject:
Computing / Computer Science
Engineering
Mathematics
Robotics Hardware
Robotics Software
Science
Technology
HW Platform:
EV3
SW Platform:
EV3-G
Interactivity Style:
Mixed
