Fields & Stored Potential Energy Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Fields & Stored Potential Energy.

Driving question: "How does changing the separation distance between repelling magnetic poles alter the potential energy stored in their magnetic field?" Objective: Investigate the relationship between spatial arrangement and stored magnetic potential energy by measuring the launch height of a repelling ring magnet released from varied compression distances.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Vertical low-friction polished acrylic…; Two strong ceramic ring magnets…; Metric millimeter height ruler attached…; Calibrated non-magnetic brass spacer…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 680 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.