Marble Stop
Summary
In this investigation, the students will conduct an experiment using tracks and marbles to see if the shape of the track will impact the vertical height the marble rises to.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students will discover that no matter what the shape of the track, the marble will rise to the same vertical height.
Concepts:
The physical science concept of an object being put into motion by a force-in this case gravity- pulling the marble down the track will be observed, worked with, and recorded. The concept that an object can be at rest until a force (push, pull) is applied; will also be addressed. Observation skills, communicating, recording data will be further developed during this lesson.
Concepts:
The physical science concept of an object being put into motion by a force-in this case gravity- pulling the marble down the track will be observed, worked with, and recorded. The concept that an object can be at rest until a force (push, pull) is applied; will also be addressed. Observation skills, communicating, recording data will be further developed during this lesson.
Context for Use
This activity can be taught in groups of 2. Each group will need a ball track, a marble, and graph paper. This activity will take two 60 minute blocks of time. The students can do the investigation activities on Day One and the data analysis on Day Two.
Description and Teaching Materials
Procedure:
1. Gather students around and ask them what might happen to the vertical height of the marble if the shape of the track is changed.
2. Write the predictions on chart paper.
3. Explain that they are going to use their marble and track to test their ideas.
4. Assign the students into groups of 2 and give each group a marble, marble track, and a plastic cup to catch the marble.
5. Make sure each group has a plan for data collection.
6. When all groups have their plan for data collecting and they have their equipment allow them time to conduct the investigation.
7. As each group finishes meet with them to see if their data matches their prediction
8. Groups that have completed the investigation begin to graph the data collected.
9. Each group presents their data.
Closure:
Gather the whole class together and ask if their predictions were correct. Take time to lead them in a discussion on the scientific method and how this experiment was conducted.
1. Gather students around and ask them what might happen to the vertical height of the marble if the shape of the track is changed.
2. Write the predictions on chart paper.
3. Explain that they are going to use their marble and track to test their ideas.
4. Assign the students into groups of 2 and give each group a marble, marble track, and a plastic cup to catch the marble.
5. Make sure each group has a plan for data collection.
6. When all groups have their plan for data collecting and they have their equipment allow them time to conduct the investigation.
7. As each group finishes meet with them to see if their data matches their prediction
8. Groups that have completed the investigation begin to graph the data collected.
9. Each group presents their data.
Closure:
Gather the whole class together and ask if their predictions were correct. Take time to lead them in a discussion on the scientific method and how this experiment was conducted.
Teaching Notes and Tips
It is important to provide students with specific forms for data collection.
This lesson comes at the end of a unit using these tools so the students are very familiar with their use.
This lesson comes at the end of a unit using these tools so the students are very familiar with their use.
Assessment
Assessment will be done through observations of the small groups. The data and graphs should be checked for accuracy.
Standards
II. PHYSICAL SCIENCE D. Motion The student will know that objects move in various ways. 1. The student will observe and describe how objects move in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, a straight line, a curve, a circle, back and forth and at different speeds.
2. The student will observe that push and pull forces can make objects move.
2. The student will observe that push and pull forces can make objects move.