Fields & Stored Potential Energy Real-World Case Study | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students to weigh a real decision about Fields & Stored Potential Energy and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: The Cascadia transit agency is considering a high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train between two cities 180 miles apart. Magnets on the train and track push against each other because like poles repel, lifting the train above the track so there is no rolling friction. Traveling magnetic fields would move the train at 310… Key question: "How does energy change form as a maglev train speeds up from a stop?"

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 680 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate 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.