Zip Line Zoo

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners build a stuffed-animal zip line. Learners hold a cord against a wall, hook a cute stuffed animal onto it, let the animal slide down, and records its travel time. Use this activity to explore gravity, practice measuring distances and angles, and analyze rates.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 15-foot-long blue cords (nylon, cotton or plastic)
  • Protractors
  • Stopwatches or smartphone timer
  • Daredevil Scorecard
  • Paper clips
  • Rubber bands
  • Masking tape
  • Measuring tapes
  • Pencils
  • A small stuffed-animal

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Circles
      • Rate
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Science Friday,