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This week I had to create an experiment to test how different surfaces affected a marbles momentum. To achieve my goal, I created a ramp that consisted of two books and a piece of cardboard. I also used the larger of the two marbles that was in our science resource kit. The two surfaces I used was the carpet and hardwood floors in my house. The fact that I had the different flooring in my home was very convenient.
My hypothesis was that the marble would travel further on the hardwood surface than on the carpet. I was correct! The marble rolled 66cm from the end of the ramp on the carpet and more than 4m on the hardwood. This was because the friction between the marble and carpet slowed the marble's momentum faster than the hardwood.
This was a good experiment because it was rigorous, but still simple enough to perform in the confines of my home. Thinking back, I should have tested both marbles on the surfaces and see if the different masses would have any affect on the outcome.
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When I use this experiment for my students, I will give them 3-4 different balls, all with different masses. I will have them to create their own experiment to determine the affect different surfaces have on an objects momentum. One challenge I see with this in school is the fact that there is not much carpet in our school. To alleviate this problem, the students could go outside and use the concrete, grass, or the track surface.
Another issue I see is some of the students becoming intimidated by the rigor of the activity. More and more activities like this will enhance their critical thinking skills and allow them to be more competitive in the real world (Lantz, 2009).
References:
Lantz, H. B. (2009). What should be the function of a K–12 STEM education? SEEN Magazine, 11(3). Retrieved from:http://www.seenmagazine.us/Sections/ArticleDetail/tabid/79/ArticleID/208/smid/403/reftab/292/Default.aspx
Hi Jamal,
ReplyDeleteWe did the exact same experiment. I used carpet, wood, and tile for my surfaces. Of course the carpet made the obejct have less momentum and the wood increased the momentum. In my experiment, I used both marbles; the large one and the small one. I discovered that the more mass the marble had (the larger one) the more momentum. I also observed that the distance and the time of the large marble was greater and faster. This is a great experiment to use with our students.
Jamal,
ReplyDeleteWe chose to explore the same question but in two different ways. I like the way you chose to answer the question and see how it could then lead students to ask what would happen if they were to change the height of the ramp.
Well done.
Hi Jamal!
ReplyDeleteI chose the same exercise and the same surfaces. However, I did use both marbles that was supplied in the science kit because I wanted to know if the size of the marble would make a difference! I was surprise to see that it seemed to only make a difference on the carpeted floor! Well, done! and I loved the photos!
I did the same experiment, but I timed the speed of the marbles. Since Speed is distance divided by time, I marked the starting line and the finish line (30 cm) with a piece of masking tape. Then I used a stop watch to time when they crossed the line. This gave me an accurate reading and was easier to accomplich in a small space. Thereofre it could be easier for you to achomplish in a small clasroom and your students can practice math and speed calculations at the same time!
ReplyDelete