Ramp Racers

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In this activity about friction and gravity (page seven of the pdf), learners use toy racing cars to explore how the two forces affect the motion of objects. This is an excellent activity to connect science with something very familiar to learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 8
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Hot wheels or other toy cars
  • Angled surface (ramp)
  • Paper
  • Sandpaper or other textured surfaces.

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009