Rocks vs. Big Rigs
Let’s shift into high gear!
Runaway trucks. Gravel pits. A Squirrel Launch System? Only you (and physics) can stop the chaos!
Topics Covered
Standards
Grades
Rocks vs. Big Rigs
Unit Overview
How do gravel beds stop runaway big rigs ... and do they always work?
Buckle up! In this unit, we're tackling kinetic energy—the energy packed inside anything that's moving—and discovering why mass and speed make some moving objects much harder to stop than others. Along the way, we'll race big rigs, launch Phat Gus to new heights, and chuck things off a 15-story tower (for science, obviously). But here's the best part: students are in the driver's seat. They'll build mini-rigs, crash them over and over, tweak their speed and mass, and use every test result to get one step closer to solving the mystery at the heart of this unit.
It's Three Dimensional!
Rocks vs. Big Rigs
Lesson Overview
A mystery — not a textbook — drives the learning as students investigate the power of kinetic energy. Every question leads to another, turning a series of lessons into a single connected journey toward an overarching answer.
What we do:
We watch Mark brace for impact in a runaway big rig, build mini rigs to test, and start investigating why some trucks stop in gravel and others keep rolling.
What we learn:
Moving trucks carry motion energy but a stopped truck has none.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
What we do:
We experiment with rice to stop a runaway truck, see what changes in the crash, and figure out what really slows big rigs down.
What we learn:
Gravel doesn’t just get in the way, it helps transfer motion energy away from a truck.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
What we do:
We send mini rigs rolling downhill at different speeds, look for patterns in collision data, and uncover the surprising effect of speed on a truck’s motion energy.
What we learn:
Speed matters more than you might think: a small increase in speed can create a really big increase in motion energy.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
What we do:
We load up our mini rigs with cargo, roll them into stuff, and look for clues about how mass changes the way trucks move and stop.
What we learn:
Heavier trucks carry more motion energy than lighter ones, so they need more energy transferred away before they can stop.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
What we do:
We try to answer a trick question and then piece together all our evidence to predict if tiny pieces of gravel will stop a huge runaway truck.
What we learn:
A truck’s kinetic energy depends on both its mass and speed, but speed has a much bigger impact.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
What we do:
We solve the runaway truck mystery and put our ideas to the test by using them to tackle a brand new challenge.
What we learn:
Kinetic energy and energy transfer not only explain why some runaway trucks stop in time and others don’t, but also help us explain motion everywhere!
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
The Anchor
What we do:
We watch Mark brace for impact in a runaway big rig, build mini rigs to test, and start investigating why some trucks stop in gravel and others keep rolling.
What we learn:
Moving trucks carry motion energy but a stopped truck has none.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Energy Transfer
What we do:
We experiment with rice to stop a runaway truck, see what changes in the crash, and figure out what really slows big rigs down.
What we learn:
Gravel doesn’t just get in the way, it helps transfer motion energy away from a truck.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Speed Matters
What we do:
We send mini rigs rolling downhill at different speeds, look for patterns in collision data, and uncover the surprising effect of speed on a truck’s motion energy.
What we learn:
Speed matters more than you might think: a small increase in speed can create a really big increase in motion energy.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Mass in Motion
What we do:
We load up our mini rigs with cargo, roll them into stuff, and look for clues about how mass changes the way trucks move and stop.
What we learn:
Heavier trucks carry more motion energy than lighter ones, so they need more energy transferred away before they can stop.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Kinetic Energy
What we do:
We try to answer a trick question and then piece together all our evidence to predict if tiny pieces of gravel will stop a huge runaway truck.
What we learn:
A truck’s kinetic energy depends on both its mass and speed, but speed has a much bigger impact.
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Energy in Action
What we do:
We solve the runaway truck mystery and put our ideas to the test by using them to tackle a brand new challenge.
What we learn:
Kinetic energy and energy transfer not only explain why some runaway trucks stop in time and others don’t, but also help us explain motion everywhere!
Learn more about what we do, what students figure out, and how they show it in the unit storyline (opens in new tab).
Unit Materials
Our materials provide a roadmap for teachers and students. They’re standards-aligned, use evidence-backed strategies, and are built to actually work.
Quick Launch Guide
Need a quick overview of what’s happening in this unit and the resources you’ll use to make it happen? Check out this one-page overview!
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Mission Launch Deck
Your command center. Slides include discussion prompts, embedded videos, and directions for hands-on challenges, all in an editable deck.
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Teacher Mission Manual & Handbook
These resources have background info, lesson breakdowns, instructional strategies, and pro tips for pulling the whole thing off.
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Hands-On Challenges & Supplies
The best way to learn science is to DO it. We've prepped everything you need to prep and jump right in including printable guides, videos, and supply lists.
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Student Mission Log
Every scientist and engineer needs a place to record their questions, investigation plans, and data and track their progress.
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Student Assessments
Multimodal assessments help you understand what's clicking and what's not for every student so you can plan instruction that works.
Open in Google Drive
Teacher Assessment Guidance
We provide things to look for in student responses so you can understand where they are and give feedback that actually moves the needle.
Open in Google Drive
Handouts & Other Materials
Readings, worksheets, flashcards, and other print materials your students need to make the most of the unit.
Hands-On Challenges
Grab a few everyday materials and dive into hands-on challenges that turn big science ideas into unforgettable experiences.
The Video Vault
Every video from the unit all in one place.
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
2.1 Lesson Recap
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.1 Lesson Recap
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
2.1 Lesson Recap
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.1 Lesson Recap
4.1 Lesson Recap
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
5.1 Lesson Recap
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.1 Lesson Recap
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
2.1 Lesson Recap
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.1 Lesson Recap
4.1 Lesson Recap
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
5.1 Lesson Recap
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.1 Lesson Recap
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
Bonus: Kinetic Energy vs Watermelon
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
Bonus: Q&A with How Ridiculous
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
Bonus: Q&A with How Ridiculous
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
2.1 Lesson Recap
3.1 Lesson Recap
4.1 Lesson Recap
5.1 Lesson Recap
6.1 Lesson Recap
2.1 Lesson Recap
3.1 Lesson Recap
4.1 Lesson Recap
5.1 Lesson Recap
6.1 Lesson Recap
Bonus: Kinetic Energy vs Watermelon
Bonus: Q&A with Dr. Nee
Bonus: Q&A with How Ridiculous
Bonus: Kinetic Energy vs Watermelon
Bonus: Q&A with Dr. Nee
Bonus: Q&A with How Ridiculous
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.4 Ramp Proof
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
1.1 Anchor Check-In (Part 1)
1.3 Mini Rig Mayhem Prep
1.4 Mini Rig Mayhem Challenge
1.6 Anchor Check-In (Part 2)
1.9 Elementary Explainer: Energy
2.1 Lesson Recap
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
2.1 Lesson Recap
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Prep
2.4 Unravel the Gravel Travel Challenge
2.10 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.1 Lesson Recap
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
3.1 Lesson Recap
3.4 Ramp Proof
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Prep
3.5 Too Fast, Too Curious Challenge
3.12 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
4.1 Lesson Recap
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
4.1 Lesson Recap
4.4 Massive Mystery Prep
4.4 Massive Mystery Challenge
4.8 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
4.13 Making a Splash with How Ridiculous
5.1 Lesson Recap
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
5.1 Lesson Recap
5.2 Predict the Push Prep
5.2 Predict the Push Challenge
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Prep
5.4 Kinetic Conundrum Challenge
5.11 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.1 Lesson Recap
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
6.1 Lesson Recap
6.13 Check-In with Class CrunchLabs
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
3.19 Career Connect with Luge Olympians
Our Amazing Cast
This team brings the “Wow!” so your students can explain the “How?”
The Core Unit Team
Meet the educators, engineers, leaders, and visual storytellers who led this unit from idea to launch.
What's Next?
More experiments. More discoveries. Pick your next adventure!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
More than 100 people worked together to make this unit a reality.
Tell us what you think!
Class CrunchLabs is just getting started! After you've reviewed or taught this pilot, we'd love your feedback. You can also drop us an email: class@crunchlabs.com (opens in new tab)