I first created the launching pad. I connected four paper towel tubes together with tape. Then, I attached it to the top of a chair. The students are to place the marble at the top of the chair into the paper towel holder. The marble will travel down the tubes and out the bottom onto the surface that is being tested. I set up a recording station along the side of the platform for the surfaces. I labeled a 5,10,15,20, and 25. I color coded the different areas for the students who could not read all the numbers. The students will which number the marble came to rest in (or use the colored spaces). I then made a platform to place the different surface on. I made picture cards with the type of flooring, so they could associate which floor was which. I made a barrier after 25 in order to stop the marbles from going past that point (if any did). I conducted the experiment and was amazed at the results. I did not predict the outcomes correctly when creating this lesson. I am glad I was involved in this guided inquiry lesson, because it helped he realize some thoughts I had that were wrong. It also prepared me for teaching the lesson, and I saw some things I might need to change before I teach the lesson.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWhat were some surfaces did you use? I am confused-did you set up on different floors or did you have different surfaces you placed under the tubes? What were your results?
Jen
I also chose to do the marble and momentum experiment. I like the idea of the paper towel being used as a ramp. What was some of the different surfaces placed under your tubes?
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for using picture cards for students and color coding. This helps with matching too! I also am wondering about your surfaces, how did you go about changing the surfaces?
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI had the floors cut and the students moved them over under the lauching pad.
Mcorbin,
The surfaces I plan to use are shag carpet, tile (with grout), laminate flooring, wood flooring and plain tile (with no grout). I made it stationary for my Pre-K students so it would not affect their results.
STibbs,
All they had to do was slide them over and under the tube. This was the easiest way I came up with and if they needed help the teacher or assistant was there.
What age group would you do this for? Did any of the marbles make it to the 25 mark?
ReplyDelete