Science Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Potential and Kinetic Energy Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 4-6 on potential and kinetic energy: stored energy of position versus the energy of motion. Students classify eight examples as potential or kinetic, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Potential and Kinetic Energy, physical science
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Energy comes in two main states. Potential energy is stored energy that an object has because of its position or condition, ready to be used. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion that an object has because it is moving. When stored energy is released, it often turns into kinetic energy. This worksheet teaches students to tell the two apart.
Section A gives eight examples (a roller coaster waiting at the top; a river flowing downhill) and asks students to write potential or kinetic. The reference box teaches the idea with a book on a shelf, a rolling ball, and a stretched rubber band, examples not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to explain the difference, tell what happens to a book’s potential energy when it falls, give an everyday example of potential energy, and explain why a moving object has kinetic energy. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill extends the study of energy.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and ask ‘is it still and ready, or moving?’ for each example.
Complete Section A independently – have students decide stored versus moving.
Work Section B item 9 together: state the difference in one sentence.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Forms of Energy Worksheet or the Force and Motion Worksheet for a physics mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Potential and Kinetic Energy Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 4-6 on potential and kinetic energy: stored energy of position versus the energy of motion. Students classify eight examples as potential or kinetic, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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