Step Back

Abstract

“It's not working! I'm just no good at science.” “Oh no!” I thought. This reaction was exactly what I was trying to prevent. I was teaching third through fifth graders about potential and kinetic energy, and they were using pipe insulation and other recyclables to build roller coasters for marbles. I hurried over to the student's table and lifted up the beginning of her roller coaster to give the marble more potential energy—enough to get it through the first and second loop. It worked! She was gleeful at the success, and I had time to move on and help the next student. Ten years later, I now realize I had done the wrong thing.