Arrange a chain reaction.
Move the ready-made pieces to design three connected events. Include a simple machine. Explain how energy changes form and moves between objects.
Your machine / Tu máquina
Drag a piece, or select it and use the move buttons. On a focused piece, arrow keys move it; Shift + arrow moves farther. Rotate or change the size with the buttons below.
Make the energy visible.
Use your design as evidence. Words, arrows, and labels matter more than how it looks. Do not enter names or personal information.
Where is energy stored before your machine starts?
¿Dónde está almacenada la energía?
Where does energy change form? What happens?
¿Dónde cambia de forma la energía?
How does energy move from one object to another?
¿Cómo pasa la energía de un objeto a otro?
Student guide: build, explain, and check
Your challenge
Design a chain reaction with at least three connected events and one simple machine, such as a ramp, lever, or pulley. Pick a goal, like watering flowers or ringing a bell.
Build your design
- Add objects from the pieces panel. Scroll inside it to find more choices.
- Drag the pieces into place. Select a piece to move, rotate, or resize it with the buttons below the board.
- Add arrows to show what happens next. Place energy labels beside your objects or arrows.
- Complete the three explanation boxes. Tell how energy is stored, changes form, and moves between objects.
Need an idea? Try Load simple design. It replaces your board and explanations. Use Undo to bring your work back.
Energy reminders
- Stored energy: a raised ball has gravitational potential energy in the ball–Earth system. A compressed or stretched spring stores elastic potential energy. Batteries and fuel store chemical energy.
- Transformation = a change in energy form. As a ball rolls downhill, gravitational potential energy changes into kinetic energy (motion). A battery-powered motor can show chemical → electrical → kinetic energy.
- Transfer = energy moving between objects. A moving ball transfers energy to a domino when it hits it.
- A bulb changes electrical energy into light and thermal energy. A solar panel changes light energy into electrical energy. A battery needs a closed circuit to supply electrical energy.
- Simple machines help change the size or direction of a force. They do not create energy.
Check your work
- Can I explain at least three connected events in order?
- Did I include a simple machine and show my goal?
- Do my arrows and energy labels help someone follow my design?
- Did I explain one energy transformation and one energy transfer?
- Did I explain where the energy is stored before the chain starts?
This board is a design tool. The pieces do not move on their own or test whether your machine will work. Explain what you predict would happen in a real machine.
Save before you leave
Click Download my design to keep an editable copy. Use Open a saved design to continue later, or Print / Save PDF to share your diagram and explanations. On a shared device, download your work before the next student starts. Keep names and personal information out of your design.
Watch the Science Max example for inspiration.