To start my inquiry I first created a ramp to be sure that each marble would start off with the same velocity or momentum. This was created very easily by using two tri-squares as legs to make sure they where both level and even, eliminating the need to cut and measure wood. I then place a small piece of smooth plywood over these two squares and attached it using my old friend duct tape. I then drew a start line n the top of the ramp so that each marble would start on the ramp from the same location trying to eliminate as much human error as possible. The only other thing that I should have done was to create some way of releasing the marble without having to actually touch the marble. The ramp was then placed on three different surfaces; laminate hardwood, smooth tile, carpet. The distances traveled and speed of each marble where record over several different runs and then averaged. This data was then analyzed and compared to try and determine if and how much of an affect surface type has on the momentum of rolling marbles.
Of course I determined that the lowest ,momentum resulted from the carpet and fastest on the tile.
In this inquiry I had a hard time getting the marbles to roll straight. If I was the set this up in the classroom i would make the ramp out of pvc pipe to have a more stable path for hte marble to start out wiht. This hopefully would produced a straighter path after it exited the tube.
I initially had the marbles roll down a piece of wood as well, but came to realize the same dilemma you experienced. The marble would not roll in a straight line. Fortunately I had a piece of moulding in my garage that has a grove down the middle, perfect for the marbles to roll down. You mentioned a great idea with the pvc pipe. If I were to reproduce this same lesson in class, I would use a pvc pipe as well. Come to think of it, I have a large section of pvc sitting in my garage right now.
ReplyDeleteThis type of lesson lends itself to many different variations. This lesson could easily be differentiated for our diverse learners. I see myself teaching this lesson in the upcoming school year, but modifying it based on interest and readiness levels.