Rolling Ramps
Here's What To Do
Gather a flat surface to use as a ramp (like: a cardboard box, baking sheet, book, pillow) and a small ball or toy car.
Put the ramp at an angle (you can hold it or prop it up on blocks or furniture). Ask your child to place the ball at the top of the ramp and let it go.
Ask your child what they noticed about the ball's motion. Repeat, changing the ramp’s angles so it’s a steeper or less steep slope. Ask your child what ramp position made the ball go farthest.
(Optional) If you have two balls/cars that are the same weight, you can make a "race." Put two same-length ramps at two different angles or slopes, let go of the balls at the same time, and see which ball reaches the finish line fastest.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Together, look for an open space like a hallway to conduct your experiment.
Engage:
- "Can you put the ball at the top of the ramp and let go so it rolls down?"
- "When you let go, can you notice how fast the ball rolls and how far it goes?"
Encourage:
- "What made the ball roll farther: when I put the ramp low, middle or high? It's okay that you don't know, let's do the experiment again and pay close attention."
- "Do you think the ball rolled slow, medium, or fast?"
Reflect:
- What did we learn about balls and ramps today?
Not quite ready?
Instead of asking for your child's observations, describe the ball's motion for them.
Ready for more?
Change different variables- instead of the angles of the ramps, change the weight of the ball or the length of the ramp.
As your child masters this skill...
They will understand that steeper ramps give balls more force and motion.