Crystal P. LaVoie
CAPT Performance Task: “Craters”
Students are given the following materials, and are asked to design and conduct their own experiment.
Colored sand
cafeteria tray
meter stick
stopwatch
Balance
balls of differing mass and size
Students should design an experiment aimed at discovering that the more potential energy an object is given by its height, the greater the kinetic energy it will have upon impact, i.e., the bigger crater it will make. This kinetic energy is not only dependent upon its height (or speed), but also its mass. The students will be assessed on their write up according to the CAPT rubric (Appendix B).
Science Fair participation
Poster
Models (steam engine, steam turbine or car)
Research paper and oral presentation as mid-year project grade
