OpenSciEd Unit 6.2 · Lesson 12
Look for: Particles have varying amounts of kinetic energy
MS-PS3-3MS-PS3-4Assessment opportunity · Formative assessment
From Teacher Edition
Facilitation guidance from the lesson plan — what to notice in student thinking and how to respond while teaching.
What to look / listen for
- Particles have varying amounts of kinetic energy.
- As temperature increases, the average KE increases. As temperature decreases, so does the average KE.
- “Total kinetic energy of all the particles” increases and decreases with corresponding changes in the “Initial # of particles”.
What to do
If students are struggling with the concepts above, project the simulation and re-manipulate certain aspects of the simulation in question. Compare the results and show the outcomes in the simulation in real-time. Ask students to pay close attention to what happens when the particles collide and the data (temperature, total energy) as more particles are added to the sample in the simulation. Another checkin on these ideas will occur at the end of day 2. Consider revisiting this chart during day 2 if any science ideas are missing.