Tag: potential and kinetic energy

Bring real-world physical science to life this winter with The Physics of Sledding! Designed specifically for upper elementary and middle school learners (grades 4–7), this no-prep informational text makes complex physical science concepts engaging, clear, and easy to master.

Students explore the scientific principles behind sliding down snowy hills, including:

• Gravity and Slope: How Earth’s pull sets sleds into motion.
• Potential and Kinetic Energy: How stored energy at the top of a hill transforms into mechanical speed.
• Friction and Snow: How thin layers of melted water and slick runners reduce resistance.
• Air Resistance and Aerodynamics: How posture, drag, and surface area affect downhill velocity.

What’s Included:

• Complete Informational Science Text: Thorough, student-friendly reading passage explaining the forces and energy behind sledding along with informational graphics.
• Comprehension Assessment: 5 multiple-choice questions targeting key vocabulary and main concepts.
• Critical Thinking Prompts: 2 short-answer questions with ample ruled space for written explanations.
• Answer Key

Perfect for science curriculums, winter STEM units, classroom or co-op physical science, or independent study packets!