To kick off this school year, the 8th graders have begun their academic adventure through the physical science realm and learned about the basics behind energy (i.e. Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Sound Energy, Thermal Energy, etc.) and energy transfer & transformation (i.e. Potential Energy -> Kinetic Energy, Kinetic Energy -> Sound Energy, Kinetic Energy -> Thermal Energy, etc.).

Our first lab involved the students creating a roller coaster design. Many of the first run designs were not operational, however, the students figured out where the most kinetic energy [as well as other energies] was happening and would adjust their designs until they had a functional ride. Once their designs were completed and worked properly, students copied their blueprints onto their lab sheet and answered a few lab questions. Some of these questions were simply labeling their diagram/blueprints with the types of energy present while others asked the students for a deeper understanding; for example, what causes the transformation of energy or where does the source of the energy come from?
At the end of the activity, the students were able to explain all of the types of energy at work, why they are present, and had a great time building incredible roller coasters!