Friction Racing

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In this activity, learners explore the unseen force of friction and how surfaces can slow moving objects at different rates. Learners will build ramps out of two types of materials and roll down a toy car (or similar object) to test which of surfaces has the least amount of resistance or friction. Activity includes step-by-step instructions with pictures, a video demonstrating the activity, a brief explanation of the science behind the activity, and a print out data chart to make predictions and record results.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Books
  • Large piece of cardboard or poster board
  • A material to cover the surface of the cardboard. Examples: dish towel, t-shirt, denim jeans, sandpaper, bubble wrap
  • A toy car or any kind of toy or object with wheels that can roll across a flat surface
  • Ruler or nonstandard measuring device such a block or shoe
  • Pencil
  • Masking tape
  • Printable: Friction Racing Data Chart (PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • About Inquiry
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, PBS, 2021

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