Curriculum

How Does Motion Energy Change in a Collision?

How Does Motion Energy Change in a Collision?

How Does Motion Energy Change in a Collision? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 4 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on life science and engineering. In this module, students:

  • Collect evidence to show that energy can move from object to object and change into heat, light, and sound
  • Construct an explanation that faster objects have more motion energy
  • Obtain information from text on how animals move fast in order to survive
  • Collect evidence from hands-on activities and text to explain why objects slow down
  • Design and build a model of a bicycle helmet using an egg as a model for the brain
  • Analyze data to predict how far an object will slide in a collision

Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.

Lesson 1: Move It

Crow and Walnut
This file shows an image of an English walnut, an image of an English walnut tree, and an image of an American crow.
Download the Crow and Walnut Powerpoint

Motion Energy
This video shows examples of moving objects.
Download the Motion Energy Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Motion Energy Video
Download the Motion Energy Video Transcript

Lesson 2: Give Me Some Energy

Cricket
This audio of crickets chirping can be found on Carolina Science Online at the link above. If you have purchased this module, you have an access code that should be activated as soon as possible. If you are having trouble finding your code or logging in, please contact cso_support@carolina.com.
https://carolinascienceonline.com

Lesson 7: Fastest on Earth

Cheetah
This video show a cheetah running after prey. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7p6VZiRInQ

Mantis Shrimp
This video shows a mantis shrimp’s powerful punch. Play the section from 1:40 to 2:50.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=179&v=E0Li1k5hGBE

Squirting Cucumber
This video shows a squirting cucumber squirting its seeds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1WS71QZSc

Trap-Jaw Spider
This video was filmed while waving an eyelash at a trap-jaw spider to study how the trap-jaw spider catches prey.
Download the Trap-jaw Spider Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Trap-jaw Spider Video
Download the Trap-jaw Spider Video Transcript

Animal Folktales
This website has examples of fictional stories that explain how animals got their unique characteristics.
https://www.travelbutlers.com/safari/wildlife-guide/folklore.asp

Lesson 8: The Rough with the Smooth
Lesson 9: Air and Space

Cyclists
This video shows competitive cyclists wearing streamlined helmets and a smooth suits.
Download the Cyclist Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Cyclist Video
Download the Cyclist Video Transcript

NASA Missions
This website has a list of NASA missions organized by target. Select the mission and then select the Overview tab for an overview of the mission.
https://www.nasa.gov/content/solar-missions-list

Lesson 11: Playing Safe

Woodpecker
This audio is of a woodpecker pecking.
Download the Woodpecker Audio

Lesson 12: Egg Drop Challenge Part 1

Egg Drop Requirements
This file shows the constraints and criteria for designing a model cycle helmet.
Download the Egg Drop Powerpoint

Kit Tips & Tricks