This week, I was able to join the Brown Room friends on the roof, exploring the magnet wall, ramps, and tubes. While the children did not learn how to surf, they did learn more about ramps and inclines and rolling balls, so this quote from Crush the Turtle (Finding Nemo) just made sense to me. In both situations, the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy is demonstrated. Gravity is the driving force that allows an object to accelerate down a slope, whether it’s a ball on a ramp or a surfer on a wave.

A steeper incline leads to a more rapid conversion of potential energy, causing the ball to move faster and faster as it travels.

A shallower incline leads to a slower conversion of potential energy, and the ball moves at a slower speed.

The various materials provided in this STEM exploration enable creative investigation of movement through play, which boosts student engagement and critical thinking.

POTENTIAL ENERGY: THE STORED ENERGY BASED ON AN OBJECTS’ HEIGHT.

KINETIC ENERGY: THE ENERGY OF MOTION

Ask your child if they can build an incline or ramp. Can they demonstrate how to make a ball move down an incline?