Energy Conservation and Work
Aligned to HS-PS3 — Next Generation Science Standards.
What this lesson teaches
Energy is conserved — it changes form but isn't created or destroyed. Work transfers energy; potential energy can convert to kinetic energy.
Worked example
A roller coaster at the top has potential energy that converts to kinetic energy as it drops — total energy stays the same (ignoring friction).
Practice questions
- How does potential energy convert to kinetic?
- Why is energy said to be conserved?
- Where is kinetic energy greatest on a roller coaster?
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Conservación de la Energía y Trabajo
La energía se conserva — cambia de forma pero no se crea ni se destruye. El trabajo transfiere energía; la energía potencial puede convertirse en energía cinética.
Ejemplo: Una montaña rusa en la cima tiene energía potencial que se convierte en energía cinética al bajar — la energía total se mantiene igual (sin considerar la fricción).
More Physical Science lessons
Teach this lesson today
An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.
Start free — no card required