Exploring Energy and Power

I am thrilled to share the exciting experiences of our MYP 4 physics students who recently participated in an engaging energy and power laboratory. This hands-on activity allowed students to apply their knowledge of physics principles in a real-world context while exploring the concepts of energy, power, and human performance.

The laboratory began with a brief introduction to the concepts of energy and power, highlighting their importance in various aspects of our daily lives. Students learned how energy is the ability to do work, while power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

With this foundational understanding, students were tasked with designing and conducting an experiment to measure their own physical power. Utilizing the stairs of our school building as a practical setting, students measured the time it took them to ascend and descend the stairs, calculating their power output based on the work done against gravity.

The enthusiasm and engagement of the students were palpable as they eagerly embarked on the experiment, equipped with stopwatches and notebooks to record their data. As they ascended and descended the stairs, the students demonstrated impressive teamwork and collaboration, assisting each other in accurately measuring time and ensuring the reliability of their results.

Upon completion of the experiment, students gathered to analyze their data and draw conclusions about their physical power output. They discussed factors that may have influenced their results, such as individual differences in strength, technique, and efficiency of movement.

Through this laboratory experience, our MYP 4 physics students not only gained a deeper understanding of energy and power concepts but also honed their practical skills in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Moreover, they developed a greater appreciation for the relevance of physics in understanding the world around them and the role it plays in shaping our everyday experiences.

I am incredibly proud of our students’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to exploring the fascinating world of physics. Their active participation and engagement in this laboratory exemplify the spirit of inquiry and discovery that we strive to foster in our classrooms.