Slippery Solids

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In this activity, learners investigate how layers of solid materials can help things slide. Learners compare how paper bits, chunky glitter, and pencil graphite feel between their fingers, then test the same materials on a paper ramp to see whether they help gummy bears slide more easily. By making predictions and recording repeated trials, learners explore how small, flat particles can change the slipperiness of a surface.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1-2 sheets of plain paper, cut into bits (~1.5-inch squares)
  • Chunky glitter (also called “jumbo glitter”)
  • Pencil
  • 1-2 sheets of uncut paper
  • Gummy bears (fresh and a little sticky)
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • 3-inch binder (or build your own similar-sized ramp, 3 inches tall)
  • Large baking tray with edges
  • Data sheet (included in the activity PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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