Your Child Will Learn
Exploring how ramps affect how an object moves
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. What does your child notice about the ball’s motion?
- Repeat, placing the ramp at higher and lower angles. Ask your child what ramp position made the ball go farthest or fastest.
- (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, 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
Ask your child to notice whether the ball moves “fast” or “slow” (and don’t worry about distance).
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.
Time to Complete
10 minutes
Materials Needed
A flat surface to use as a ramp (like: a cardboard box, baking sheet, book, pillow) and a small ball or toy car