Energy in Motion
Activities before the visit
·
Introduce your pupils to the concept of energy.
·
Show your class the map of LEGOLAND Windsor and point out areas where
they will experience energy at work.
·
Complete the balloon power activity.
Balloon Power Activity
Use a balloon to demonstrate potential (stored) energy and kinetic (movement)
energy. Investigate how the weight the balloon carries affects how far the balloon
will travel.
Materials: long balloons, masking tape, string or fishing line (4 metres), drinking
straw, pennies or gram weights.
Procedure:
·
Thread a drinking straw on the string. Tie each end of string to two chairs.
Move chairs apart until the string is taut.
·
Tape balloon to drinking straw at one end of string.
·
Blow up the balloon, but do not tie a knot! Hold the end closed.
·
Let go of the balloon!!
Discussion:
·
How far did the balloon-powered vehicle travel?
·
What renewable energy source powers the balloon?
·
Where is potential energy stored?
·
Where is the kinetic energy?
·
Is any energy wasted? How?
Extension:
Can you increase the potential energy stored and the kinetic energy released?
Try this! Use a different size or shape of balloon. Compare results to other trails.
Challenge:
How does weight affect the distance the balloon will travel?
Try this! Tape a weight to the balloon or straw. Compare the distance travelled to
the other trial. Add more weights and compare results.
Workshop Programme Teachers' Notes
