Solar Energy and Panels (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

A force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion, shape, or direction. Forces are measured in Newtons and can act through contact or at a distance.

Key Words

repel
motion

Materials Needed

cardboard
marbles
paper clips
rubber bands
blocks
spring scale

Safety First

Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.
Handle glass items carefully to avoid breakage.
Do not mix unknown chemicals together.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.

Step 2 — Do

Construct a catapult from popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Launch a marshmallow from different angles and measure the distance. Find the angle that gives the longest launch.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is gravity?