chalkboard

GRADES 3 - 8
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

OBJECTIVES:

  • Students learn about friction.
  • Students observe, predict and record an object's motion over smooth, slippery and rough surfaces.
  • Students are introduced to basic statics and dynamics in engineering through a discussion of forces and friction and a hands-on activity.
  • Students conduct 2 demonstrations using marbles and coins to learn about friction.
  • Forces, simple vectors and free body diagrams which depict the forces can be discussed with older students.
    •

    NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS:
    Physical Science:
  • Positions And Motion Of Objects (K-4)
  • Motions And Forces (5-8)

    • Science As Inquiry:
  • Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry

    • STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY:
    The Nature of Technology:

  • Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.

    • Design:
  • Students will develop an understanding of the attributes of design.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.

    		• LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME:


    30 Minutes

    LESSON TIME:


    30 minutes

    WORDS TO KNOW:

    • coefficient of friction
    • dynamics
    • energy
    • force
    • free body diagram
    • friction
    • mass
    • statics
    • vector
    • weight

    SPECIAL NOTES:

  • Although the science concepts and vocabulary are intended for middle school students, younger students may enjoy this activity.

    • This lesson was originally developed by the Wisconsin Section of the Society of Women Engineers as part of an Elementary School Outreach Activities Kit and was the recipient of the 1997 SWE Corning Incentive Award. We wish to recognize Robin L. Wolff, P.E. for her efforts in creating this wonderful career guidance tool. A special thanks to her son, Rick, and his friends for testing each of the activities in the original kit.

    This lesson has been adapted for the SWE Internet Activities Center through a Microsoft Equal Access Program grant.

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