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Middle School

Energy

 

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Performance Expectations
 

 

Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system. MS-PS3-2

Clarification Statement and Assessment Boundary

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on relative amounts of potential energy, not on calculations of potential energy. Examples of objects within systems interacting at varying distances could include: the Earth and either a roller coaster cart at varying positions on a hill or objects at varying heights on shelves, changing the direction/orientation of a magnet, and a balloon with static electrical charge being brought closer to a classmate’s hair. Examples of models could include representations, diagrams, pictures, and written descriptions of systems.

Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to two objects and electric, magnetic, and gravitational interactions.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Modeling in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to developing, using, and revising models to describe, test, and predict more abstract phenomena and design systems.

Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms. (MS-PS3-2)

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS3.A:  Definitions of Energy

A system of objects may also contain stored (potential) energy, depending on their relative positions. (MS-PS3-2)

PS3.C:  Relationship Between Energy and Forces

When two objects interact, each one exerts a force on the other that can cause energy to be transferred to or from the object. (MS-PS3-2)

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions—such as inputs, processes and outputs—and energy and matter flows within systems. (MS-PS3-2)

Common Core State Standards Connections

ELA/Literacy
  • SL.8.5 - Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest. (MS-PS3-2)