Ramp Rollers

Objectives

• Understand that a ramp is a slanted surface with one end higher than the other.

• Predict and observe how differently-shaped objects will move on a ramp (e.g. slide, roll, or not move at all).

• Experiment with different surfaces and steepness.

Materials

• Per Group:
  a ramp (use a big piece of cardboard, a storage box lid, or a piece of wood; prop up one end with blocks or cushions)
  a variety of small balls and cylinders (objects that will roll)
  square, rectangular and/or triangular blocks
  empty (or full!) plastic bottles

  Part 2:
  the above, plus towels, rugs, or pieces of non-slip carpet underlay (1 per group)

  Part 3:
  a ramp
  toy cars/trucks

Key Questions

• Part 1: Can you make each object move from the top of the ramp to the bottom? Which shapes roll and which shapes slide? Are there any shapes that don't move at all?
• Part 2: Do the objects move the same way down the ramp when you cover it with your towel/rug/carpet underlay? Why or why not?Part 3: Do some cars or trucks move faster than the others? Why or why not? Are some heavier than others?How did you change your ramp to make them go faster?

What To Do

Part 1: Different Shapes

1. Build your ramp. Prop your surface up on a stack of blocks or cushions.
2. Place objects on the ramp and see how they move down it.

Part 2: Friction

1. Cover your ramp with a towel, a rug, or a piece of non-slip carpet underlay.
2. Place the same objects from Part 1 on the ramp. Now how do they move?

Part 3: Races/Steepness

1. Choose a car or truck to race down the ramp.
2. Race a friend’s car. Which one goes faster?
3. Change your ramp to make both cars go faster, then race again.

Extensions

• Try a friction race. Cover one half of a ramp with a bumpy surface and leave the other half bare. Race two objects, one on each side, and see which side 'wins' - the smooth or bumpy side.
• Try a really big ramp - use the slide at a playground or an accessabilty ramp at a building!
• If possible, invite a construction worker or engineer to visit your class and discuss how they use ramps in their work.
• Keep the fun 'on a roll' and go bowling! If visiting a bowling alley is not an option for you, many stores sell children's bowling sets, or you can get creative and make your own set using everyday items. The UCreate blog offers a simple tutorial for making a plastic bottle bowling set.

Other Resources

UCreate | Plastic Bottle Bowling Tutorial