How Does the Design of an Object Affect the Speed or Direction of an Object?

We are moving into the next phase in our study of motion! After much study and investigation our scientists have learned a great deal about how different pushes and pulls affect the motion of an object. We are taking this learning to the next level as we look closely at structures and how they affect objects in motion. Scientists worked in pairs, using a tennis ball, to investigate ways to make it move. In doing this, we discovered that surfaces greatly affected the motion of the ball.

Pulling back with one hand while pushing forward with the other caused the ball to spin

Objects moved easier on smooth surfaces

The ball moved easier when two people blew on it because it was a stronger force

When the ball was thrown hard and hit the pillow it bounced back. When it was thrown gently and hit the top of the pillow it rolled down the pillow.

The surface of the carpet is rough making it harder for the ball to move. We worked to create ramps to help the ball move. We made a steep ramp and a shallow ramp. Ask your scientist about the results!

We updated our chart...

Well we are now ready!! All of this learning has brought us to the culminating activity!! Scientists will work as designers and engineers to build a slide with a barrier so the object going down the slide does not hit the ground! I can't wait to see the structures they come up with!