Kinetic Energy Experiments and Activities

In the A to Z Science series for toddlers and preschoolers, K is for Kinetic Energy. I talked about using ramps to explore kinetic energy. Here I want to give you even more examples of kinetic energy experiments and activities to try.

Kinetic Energy Experiments and Activities

Learn more about kinetic energy in our K is for Kinetic Energy post.

Explore Kinetic Energy with Ramps

Change the objects going down the ramp to observe the difference in kinetic energy.

Change the height of the ramp to investigate gradient. {Science Sparks}

What can you learn from a cardboard tube? Experiencing friction, make predictions, and more.

Convert Elastic Potential Energy into Kinetic Energy

Make a rubberband powered car.

Make a hovercraft. An air-filled balloon is used to make the hovercraft move.

Create a cotton reel car from a spool of thread. {Science Sparks}

Build a tug boat and power it with an elastic band. {Life at the Zoo}

Learn how to build an easy catapult from craft sticks. {Kids Activities Blog}

Build a two stage balloon rocket. {Kids Activities Blog}

Find any more ways to build a rocket here.

Explore the Transfer of Kinetic Energy

Use train tracks to create a chain reaction and explore the transfer of kinetic energy.

Make a Rube Goldberg Machine. We made this one to deliver cookies using toys and supplies around the house.

Explore kinetic energy with a refrigerator marble run.

Use marbles to witness the transfer of kinetic energy. {Frugal Fun for Boys}

Build a chain reaction with craft sticks. Steve Spangler and Frugal Fun for Boys both show you how. {Recommended for ages 8+.}

Make an obstacle course for toy cars like this one from What Do We Do All Day. When the car runs into something, talk about the transfer of energy.

Share with Us

Have you explore kinetic energy with your children? Please add links to your posts in the comments. I would love to pin your investigations to my science board.

You can also visit the Inspiration Laboratories Facebook page and share pictures of your kinetic energy explorations. Or stop by the Science for Kids Community on Google+ and share with us there.

Do you subscribe to the Inspiration Laboratories weekly newsletter? Each issue has exclusive hands-on science explorations for children, a recap of our latest activities, and special resources selected just for you!