What happens when things collide
Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
Predict and observe a gentle collision, keeping predictions separate from results.
Can discuss the supplied example in an accessible mode; adapt directions without supplying the target answer.
Check the learner can follow the model with support before moving on. Source prerequisite ordering is not learner mastery; return to prerequisite work when needed.
Use two large soft balls on a clear floor with an adult. No throwing, hard projectiles, stairs or collisions with people. If unavailable, use the thought experiment only. Open S first, G together, then T alone; put S and G away before T. Keys stay adult-only. No purchase or printing is required; an unavailable physical observation remains pending, not passed.
Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.
What this lesson covers and its limits
These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.
- partial: Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
- partial: Predict the outcome of a collision based on the speeds and sizes of the objects
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
- partial: Explain that energy transfers from one object to another during a collision
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
- partial: Describe observable changes: one object speeds up, the other slows down, sound is produced
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
- partial: If {{name}} rolls two balls towards each other, can they predict what will happen when they hit and explain that energy transfers between them?
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
Real collisions conditional. No universal transfer fraction or invented measurements.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Predict and observe a gentle collision, keeping predictions separate from results.
Predict and observe a gentle collision, keeping predictions separate from results.
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Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Predict the outcome of a collision based on the speeds and sizes of the objects
- Explain that energy transfers from one object to another during a collision
- Describe observable changes: one object speeds up, the other slows down, sound is produced
“If your child rolls two balls towards each other, can they predict what will happen when they hit and explain that energy transfers between them?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Energy
- Age range
- Ages 9–10
Standards