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Buckle Up!
Objectives: To demonstrate the last part of Newton's first law
of motion.
To measure, record, and interpret data.
Context: Small cooperative groups
Materials: 5 thick books, wooden board which can be used as a
ramp, modeling clay, rolling cart, meter stick, string, lab sheet
Procedure:
1. Use the board and four books to make a ramp.
Place the other book at the bottom of the ramp to form a barrier.
2. Use half of the clay to make a simple model of a seated person.
Make sure it will fit inside the cart. Place the clay model inside
the cart.
3. Set the cart at the top of the ramp. Predict what will
happen to the clay model when you release the cart. Record your prediction
on the lab sheet.
4. Release the cart and let it crash at the bottom of the ramp.
Observe what happened to the clay model. Measure in centimeters the
distance from the barrier to the clay model. Record your observations
on the lab sheet.
5. Use the rest of the clay to make a larger model. Repeat
steps 3-4 using the larger clay model.
6. Use string to tie the large clay model to the cart. Set
the cart at the top of the ramp. Predict what will happen to the
model when you release the cart. Record your prediction on the lab
sheet.
7. Release the cart and let it crash at the bottom of the ramp.
Observe what happened. Record your observations on the lab sheet.
Results: The smaller clay model should be thrown from the cart.
The larger model should also be thrown and should travel farther than the
smaller model. The tied model should remain in the cart. Students
should infer that it is safer for a passenger to wear a seat belt when
riding in a vehicle.
Suggestions: To save time, two sizes of objects, such as small
and large plastic figurines, could be used instead of the clay figures. |