All lessons › Challenge: Energy detectives › Lesson 2
Australian primary science · Years 5–6 (challenge) · Lesson 2 of 3
Ramp racer energy audit
Inquiry question: Where does a toy car’s energy come from, and where does it go?
Marked no materials needed
Using a simulation
What students learn
Lifting a car up a ramp gives it gravitational potential energy. Rolling down transforms this into kinetic energy. Friction transforms kinetic energy into heat and sound, so the car slows and stops. The higher the start, the more energy, so the further it goes.
Success criteria
- I can describe the energy transformations as a car rolls down a ramp and stops.
- I can use data to show how height and surface affect distance.
- I can explain why the car stops without saying the energy is used up.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know kinetic and potential energy and the conservation rule (lesson 1).
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Forces & energy › Lab › Ramp racer on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged and set to Your year › Years 5–6.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs run fair tests in Ramp racer: change the surface (same height), then change the height (same surface).
- Record three trials and the average each time.
- Describe the pattern for surface and for height in one sentence each.
- Draw an energy audit for one run: a bar or arrow diagram showing potential → kinetic → heat and sound.
- Predict: what would happen on a surface with almost no friction, like ice? Explain with energy.
Teacher modelling prompt
Open Ramp racer on the big screen, tap a prediction to unlock the roll button, then run carpet, low ramp. Think aloud: “At the top, the car has gravitational potential energy. Rolling down, that becomes kinetic energy. On the carpet, friction turns its kinetic energy into heat and sound, so it stops at about 48 cm. Now let’s keep the height the same and change only the surface.” Show how to record all three trials and the average.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: Where does a toy car’s energy come from, and where does it go?
| Surface | Ramp height | Trial distances (cm) | Average distance (cm) | Energy explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which explanation passes the energy audit?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? Describe the energy changes from when a car is at the top of a ramp to when it stops.
Explain with evidence: Use your data to explain why the car rolled further from the high ramp.
Apply the idea: Why do runaway truck ramps on steep mountain roads use deep gravel?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.