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dice, paper clips and scissors on a table

Rolling a can down a ramp

Ramps and Rollers

This activity invites K–5 students, in both English and Spanish, to explore the phenomena of rolling objects down a ramp and investigate the question, “What happens to a roller when you change the ramp by making it steeper?” Students experiment by rolling balls or cylinders down a ramp, and observe how the ramp’s steepness affects how far their roller rolls or how far it pushes a block. This activity supports the kindergarten science standard on forces.

Teachers can use this activity in virtual or in-person environments, with minimal prep time and common household materials. Slides scaffolding the student experience can be modified to suit different learning contexts.The accompanying Teacher Support Guide contains suggestions for how to use the activity, support for sense-making discussions, content background, and connections to ELA, math, and the kindergarten science standard.


Grade Bands: 
K-2
3-5
Subject: 
Physics
Keywords: 
motion
kinetic energy
exhibit-based
mass
force
NGSS and EP&Cs: 
PS
PS2
CCCs
Patterns
Cause and Effect

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Video Demonstration

Ramps and Rollers Exploration
Ramps and Rollers Investigation
Rampas y Rodillos Exploración
Rampas y Rodillos Investigación

Teacher Resources

Supporting materials for classroom instruction:

  • Teacher Support Guide
  • Slides for leading the Exploration
  • Slides for leading the Investigation


Set of pendulums swinging
Pendulums

Investigate how length, mass and release point affect pendulum speed. 

scissors, paper clips, string and dice on a table
Watch and Do Science

Spark delight and learning with six hands-on, phenomena-driven learning experiences.

outstretched hand and its shadow on the ground
Shadows

Investigate how to change a shadow’s size, shape, and position.

Institute for Inquiry

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