In this lab, you will use a simulation to explore the law of conservation of energy while applying the engineering design process to design a model that demonstrates the law of conservation of energy. Be sure to review the Skate Park Basics document to learn more about the interactive controls. Part One: Research the Energy Skate Park Basics: Intro Simulation
Intro
Your objective for Part One is to explore the relationship between potential energy, kinetic energy, total energy, and speed. Select Intro in the lab simulation below to begin. Once the simulation loads, select all of the following options located on the right-hand side of your screen: U-shaped ramp, pie chart, bar graph, grid, and speed. Leave the mass setting on the center setting. Then, drag your skater onto the highest part of the U-shaped ramp and select the start arrow. Observe your skater's motion and record your data in the data chart. Once complete, answer the Part One questions in the lab report.

Part Two: Design and Test a Skate Park Ramp: Playground Simulation
Intro
Example ramp
Your objective for Part Two is to use the engineering design process to design a skate park ramp to investigate the law of conservation of energy. Select Playground in the lab simulation below to begin. Let's establish criteria for your design. Criteria provide ways to judge how well your design meets the needs of the problem or task. You will test three different skate park playground ramp designs that meet the following criteria:

The skate park playground ramp must include at least one loop.
The skate park playground ramp must rest on the ground.
The skater must complete a successful run from one side of the ramp to the other without falling off the ramp.
To begin designing your skate park playground ramp, drag and drop sections of the ramp onto the screen. You may also select and drag the red dots to extend, move, and/or connect each individual section. Your design may vary from the example. Observe your skater’s motion and record your designs and data in the lab report. Then, you will select one skate park playground ramp design for further testing. Observe your skater's motion and record your data in the lab report. Once testing is complete, answer the Part Two questions in the lab report.