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Let's Get Rolling Let’s Get Rolling Car Kit for Motion Activities Topics: Motion, Momentum, Friction, Simple Machines This simple model of a car can be used to experience and to explore the science of motion. The low friction wheel and axle combination, one of the six simple machines, Materials List (per car) can be used with an inclined plane to collect data on the effects of different surfaces 8 plastic caps and of varying the weight in the car on the distances traveled. 2 pieces of red stir straw, 9 cm (3½”) Assembly 2 pieces of standard 1. Measure the straw pieces and cut or trim them as needed. straw, 5 cm (2”) 2. Measure and cut the cardstock strips. 2 gray plastic pieces 3. Place the two gray plastic pieces together to form a box shape. Use two adhesive 4 Labels labels, one each on the top and on the bottom, to attach the pieces together. 3 Cardstock strips, 4. Create the axles by attaching the standard straw pieces to the car body. To ensure 10 cm x 1cm proper placement, cover the “At Last” phrases with the straw pieces. Use the (3¾” x 3/8”) adhesive labels to secure the straw pieces to the bottom of the car body. 5. Insert the red straws through the standard straw pieces. This activity can be used 6. Create sturdy wheels by using two caps per wheel and cardstock strips wedged in to teach: between to secure them together. Curl and wedge the strips into the matching Forces & Motion grooves of each pair of caps. The smooth, flat sides will be on the outside of the (Next Generation Science Standards: wheel. Attach the wheels by pushing the red straw pieces into the holes in the Grade 3, Physical caps. Science 2-1, 2-2; Middle School, To Do and Notice Physical Science 2-2, Teachers can use these cars in a variety of ways to teach concepts of motion, forces, High School, Physical machines, and design. Here are a couple of the ways that the cars in this kit can be Science 2-1) used in the classroom: Kinetic and Potential Energy (Next Generation Science Use the cars as a design challenge. Begin with the basic design, then challenge Standards: Grade 4, students to make a better car by changing one of the variables. Combine the car Physical Science 3-1, with an inclined plane to test efficiency. Students can measure the distance Middle School, traveled by the basic design cars as compared with the modified design cars. Physical Science 3-2, 3-5) Use pennies or other standard weights to test momentum. Roll the cars down an Gravity (Next inclined plane to test the distance traveled. Systematically add weights to the car Generation Science body and investigate the changes in the distance traveled by the car. Standards: Grade 5, Physical Science 2-1) Car design by Michael Pollock (RAFT); written by RAFT Education Department Copyright 2015, RAFT The Science Behind the Activity Evidence shows the earliest wheels were used in Ancient Sumer 5,500 years ago. While some archaeologists feel that the wheel was invented in Asia 8.000 years ago, there is not enough evidence to support the claim at this time. Most likely, log rollers were combined with sledges to eventually inspire the wheel and axle, one of the six simple machines. The Egyptians increased the efficiency of the wheel by adding spokes to wheels, removing weight. As technology improved, wheel designs also improved with the use and application of new materials, such as steel and rubber. Machines make work easier by changing either the size or the direction of the input force. A wheel and axle consists of two circular objects of different sizes, with the larger wheel turning around the smaller axle. The axle travels a shorter distance than the wheel, thus the force applied to the wheel is multiplied when transferred to the axle. Mechanical advantage increases as the ratio between the two circular objects increases. Wrenches, screwdrivers, doorknobs, and water wheels are also forms of the wheel and axle. Taking it Further Students can be told, or can learn from experience, that these straw sections need to be slightly longer than the width of the box shape and need to be positioned to keep the wheels from rubbing on the car body for a faster car. It is possible to create a car using only one bottle cap per wheel. The wheels will tilt a little, especially if the car is made heavier. Simply push the red straw pieces into the holes in 4 caps. As an optional design challenge, students can start the activity by building this 4-cap design, then make observations. Instruct students to improve on this simple car design, allow time for inquiry-based observations, and then bring the class together to discuss findings. Web Resources (Visit www.raft.net/raft-idea?isid=189 for more resources!) Invention of the wheel - http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-technology/revolutionary-invention-wheel- 001713 Let’s Get Rolling, page 2 Copyright 2015, RAFT .
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