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PlayOwl

Science · Grade 8

Energy, Electricity and Magnetic Systems

Learners use proportional reasoning to show that kinetic energy grows with mass and with the square of speed, calculate gravitational potential energy and describe energy stored in gravitational and magnetic fields. They compare series and parallel circuits with a simplified simulation, track energy transfers and efficiency in electrical devices, and use investigation data to find what makes an electromagnet stronger.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 120 minutes
  • Energy, circuits and magnets check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, draw a graph, highlight a text, match pairs, type a number and put in order
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What learners will discover

  • Use KE = ½mv² and proportional reasoning to show that kinetic energy is proportional to mass and to the square of speed, and interpret kinetic-energy data and graphs.
  • Calculate gravitational potential energy with PE = mgh, describe potential energy stored in gravitational and magnetic fields, and track conversions between potential and kinetic energy.
  • Compare series and parallel circuits using evidence, and trace energy transfers and efficiency in electrical circuits and devices.
  • Explain that electric currents produce magnetic fields that act at a distance, and use data to identify the factors that affect the strength of an electromagnet.

Lessons

  1. Kinetic energy: mass and speed 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  2. Potential energy in fields and energy conversions 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  3. Series and parallel circuits 9 steps5 practiceabout 26 min
  4. Energy transfer and efficiency in circuits 8 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Magnetic fields and electromagnets 9 steps5 practiceabout 24 min
  6. Energy, circuits and magnets check 11 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.
  • River MysterySomething changed the river. Sample sites with a limited budget, follow the evidence and find where the change begins.

More 8th grade science

Guide for grown-ups