Egg Ramps
Essential Question
How can we use knowledge of friction, gravity, and motion to design and edit prototypes of ramps?
Grade(s):
- 5
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Materials- recycled materials (cardboard, paper, tubes, etc.), tape, scissors, measurement tool such as a tape measure
Lesson Progression
1. Present students with the challenge of creating egg ramps that will send the eggs the farthest distance possible.
2. Take 5 minutes to briefly introduce the steps of engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve
3. Give students the stipulations of materials allowable and the time frame of 20 minutes. Allow students to work in groups of 2-4.
4. Set the timer and circulate the room, listening for collaboration and use of vocabulary terms such as friction, gravity, and motion.
5. At the conclusion of the 20 minutes, visit each ramp and have students demonstrate, ensuring that the egg is beginning at a still position before being released (no force allowed - only gravity). Measure the distance from the end of the ramp to the ending position of the egg.
6. Compare the distances of each ramp. Engage in a whole-class discussion on the design process.
7. Collect the accompanying worksheets.
Teacher Notes
differentiation: Partner students strategically using either heterogeneous or heterogeneous groupings. Ask struggling groups probing questions to guide their thinking if necessary.
extension: Require students to create a ramp that makes a 90 degree turn (or other obstacle!) Have students research real-world examples of ramps.
Standards
- Physical Science: Forces and Motion
- 5.P.5 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect the motion of an object.
- 5.P.5A The motion of an object can be described in terms of its position, direction, and speed. The rate and motion of an object is determined by multiple factors.
- 5.P.5A.4 Analyze and interpret data to describe how a change of force, a change in mass, or friction affects the motion of an object.
- 5.P.5A.3 Plan and conduct controlled scientific investigations to test the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the rate and direction of motion of objects.
- 5.P.5A.2 Develop and use models to explain how the amount or type of force (contact and non-contact) affects the motion of an object.
- 5.P.5A The motion of an object can be described in terms of its position, direction, and speed. The rate and motion of an object is determined by multiple factors.
- 5.P.5 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect the motion of an object.
Assessments
Use the Egg Ramp worksheet (linked in the resources tab) to assess student understanding.