Rolling Returns


Source Institutions


Add to list Go to activity
In this activity, learners build a special rolling can that returns back to you when you push it forward. Use this activity to demonstrate the transfer of energy between kinetic and potential energy. Note: a drill is used in this activity, and is not included in the cost of materials. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student

Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14

Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per student)


  • 1 large coffee canister
  • 2 large rubber bands
  • 1 pipe cleaner
  • 5 weights (nuts or beads)
  • 2 3" pieces of dowel
  • drill with bit, or punch

Subjects


  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Rotation Motion
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories


  • Toys

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Fresno Community Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Fresno Community Science Workshop, 2012

Related Video