Summary
Phil stretches and twists elastics to store energy, then releases it to launch objects across the room. A clear demonstration of how stored (potential) energy converts into motion. ~22 min, free on the official Science Max YouTube channel.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Stretch it, hold it, let it go — Phil shows how an elastic stores energy and then sets it free.
- Where is the energy stored when you stretch an elastic?
- What happens to that energy when you let go?
- Does stretching it more change how far it launches?
- What toys use stored elastic energy?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: elastic, stored energy, potential, motion, launch.
Try it: Stretch a rubber band over your fingers and launch a folded paper ball (gently). Pull it back farther and compare the distance.