Investigating the Inclined Plane through Inquiry
Summary
In this activity, students will use different materials to find the most effective way to use an inclined plane (in other words, moving an object with as little force as possible). This is a guided inquiry. Although the students will be allowed to plan their investigation and choose from a variety of material, they are all trying to answer the same question: How can we use an inclined plane to get an object from point A to point B using as little force as possible? They will discover that not only does the slope of the incline play a major role, but so does the amount of friction.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students will gain experience with inclined planes, use the formula for work, and use critical thinking skills to conduct investigations, record data, and write explanations. The students will learn specific vocabulary: inclined plane, ramp, angle of slope, friction, force, work, distance
Context for Use
This activity can be done with 4th or 5th grade students. It is used in conjunction with the Delta Science Modules Simple Machines kit (activity 9). This activity should be done AFTER inclined planes have been inntroduced, students are comfortable with using the formula for work, and they have completed activity 9 so they understand that an inclined plane does in fact reduce the amount of force needed to move an object.
This series of activities will take place over three class periods. One day for activity 9, the next day to plan and complete their investigations, and the third day to present and compare their findings.
The students will needs several materials for this activity, most of which are included in the Delta kit: spring meter, string, scissors, a brick, waxed paper, sand paper,and wood for the inclined plane.
This series of activities will take place over three class periods. One day for activity 9, the next day to plan and complete their investigations, and the third day to present and compare their findings.
The students will needs several materials for this activity, most of which are included in the Delta kit: spring meter, string, scissors, a brick, waxed paper, sand paper,and wood for the inclined plane.
Description and Teaching Materials
This activity should be introduced in a way that will ignite the students curiosity. They will already have worked with inclined planes enough to understand that they are an effective way to reduce the amount of force needed to move an object. You may even want students to demonstrate this using other inclined planes to move things in the room or outdoors (besides the boards that are supplied in the kit). Pose some questions for the students to pick for their investigations. For example: How do you think friction plays a role in the amount of work needed to move an object? How do you think the angle of the slope plays a role in the amount of work needed to move an object? Is there anything besides friction or slope angle that may change the amount of force needed to move an object?
Have the students form groups based on the question they want answered and come up with a prediction, plan to investigate, and tool to record their data. Provide the students with the materials necessary.
On the final day, have the students share their findings. Be sure to look back to their predictions, check any discepencies in results, see if there are any further investigations that the students would like to pursue.
Have the students form groups based on the question they want answered and come up with a prediction, plan to investigate, and tool to record their data. Provide the students with the materials necessary.
On the final day, have the students share their findings. Be sure to look back to their predictions, check any discepencies in results, see if there are any further investigations that the students would like to pursue.
Teaching Notes and Tips
As stated, this is guided. I want the students to realize that although inclined planes are beneficial in reducing the amount of force needed, there are different ways to make the inclined plane more effective. I would use this early in the year when introducing inquiry.
Assessment
During the investigation, an informal assessment of group cohesiveness and cooperation will be taken. Students will have to discuss their observations at the end of the activity, share their findings with the class, and then individually write a reflection paragraph stating how they would make the most effective inclined plan.
Also, during the discussion, notes should be taken as to whether or not students participated, and if they were able to back up an observation with reasons.
Also, during the discussion, notes should be taken as to whether or not students participated, and if they were able to back up an observation with reasons.
Standards
5.1.1.2.2 Science and Engineering (collecting evidence)
5.1.3.4.1 Nature of Science and Engineering (using tools)
5.2.2.1.1 Physical Science (simple machines)
5.1.3.4.1 Nature of Science and Engineering (using tools)
5.2.2.1.1 Physical Science (simple machines)