Changes in Motion
Student Generated Science Experiments About Force & Motion
After several days of discussion on force, motion, gravity, and weight, student groups were given the opportunity to create their own questions and statements to investigate. They used measuring tools like meter sticks and rulers for length, as well as spring scales for measuring force. They were also given Matchbox race cars, 2 ramps of different lengths, cups, string, tape, and dictionaries. Each group set up their experiment to verify (or dispel) statements like...
Student Discoveries About Force & Motion
After several days of discussion on force, motion, gravity, and weight, student groups were given the opportunity to create their own questions and statements to investigate. They used measuring tools like meter sticks and rulers for length, as well as spring scales for measuring force. They were also given Matchbox race cars, 2 ramps of different lengths, cups, string, tape, and dictionaries. Each group set up their experiment to verify (or dispel) statements like...
- The longer ramp will make the car travel the farthest distance.
- The car will travel farther with two dictionaries rather than just one.
- The car will travel farther on tile rather than carpet.
- A heavier car will travel farther than a lighter one.
- It will take more force to drag a car up a longer ramp than a shorter one.
Student Discoveries About Force & Motion
- It takes the same amount of force to drag a car up the long or short ramp.
- The car traveled farther when there were three dictionaries under the ramp versus two dictionaries. The taller the ramp, the farther the car traveled.
- The car traveled farther using the shorter ramp versus the longer ramp.
- The car needs a push to get it started down the ramp.
- Gravity helps to pull the car down the ramp.
- Friction helps to slow the car down after it travels down the ramp.
- The car travels farther on tile versus carpet.
- The car travels in a straight line unless it hits another object, like a meter stick.
Force & Motion
Students will use tools to measure force, compare the work of moving objects, and discover how simple machines make work easier by reducing the amount of force needed.
Simple Machines- list of many types of common household items
MIKIDS for Your Kids! Simple Machines
Inventor's Toolbox- 6 Simple Machines
Newton's 3 Laws of Motion
Ology: Meet the Universe's Main Attraction: Gravity
Ed Head's Simple Machine Game
Matching Game for Simple Machines
Gadget Anatomy- what simple machines can be found in these common tools?
Simple Machine Photo Quiz
Goldberg to Go- create a very complicated contraption- great for problem solving
Simple Machines game- from Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (takes a while to load)
6 simple machines: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw
Students will use the following scientific processes:
observe, communicate, measure, compare, predict, infer, make and use models, and interpret data.
Students will use hands-on activities, read non-fiction texts, and work in cooperative groups to learn about force and motion.
Simple Machines- list of many types of common household items
MIKIDS for Your Kids! Simple Machines
Inventor's Toolbox- 6 Simple Machines
Newton's 3 Laws of Motion
Ology: Meet the Universe's Main Attraction: Gravity
Ed Head's Simple Machine Game
Matching Game for Simple Machines
Gadget Anatomy- what simple machines can be found in these common tools?
Simple Machine Photo Quiz
Goldberg to Go- create a very complicated contraption- great for problem solving
Simple Machines game- from Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (takes a while to load)
6 simple machines: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw
Students will use the following scientific processes:
observe, communicate, measure, compare, predict, infer, make and use models, and interpret data.
Students will use hands-on activities, read non-fiction texts, and work in cooperative groups to learn about force and motion.
How much do you weigh on other planets? Click here to find out.
If you want to recreate Galileo's gravity experiment online, click here.
If you want to see astronauts try Galileo's experiment on the moon, watch below.
If you want to see astronauts try Galileo's experiment on the moon, watch below.