Down Hill Runs from different heights
Focus Questions
- How far can a car roll after running down a ramp (incline)?
- How does the height of the run affect the roll distance?
- Does the weight of the car make a difference in the roll distance?
- How does the weight affect the roll?
- How does the surface affect the roll distance?
- How does the slope (angle) of the ramp make a difference?
Procedure
The Down Hill layout was modified so that all vertical supports in the tower were made with red connects. The first support tower was constructed with a height of one red rod.
- Additional levels of one red K'Nex® high were added.
- The track supports were altered by sliding them up or down to provide support for the track.
- Some supports weren't used at the lower heights, but were added as the heights grew.
- The distance the car traveled was measured from the bottom back edge of the tower with the car being launched directly above.
- Three trials were made and recorded in a spreadsheet and graphed with the software.
- Learners who participated were a mixed age group from 10-12 years old.
Sample data & graphs
Distance Car Rolled on Carpet with Vertical Height Changed
Height of Ramp Distance car rolled |
30 inches | 22 inches | 13 inches | 9 inches |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trial 1 | 116 | 108 | 86 | 68 |
Trial 2 | 116 | 107 | 77 | 68 |
Trial 3 | 117 | 95 | 79 | 68 |
Trial 4 | 120 | 102 | 84 | 70 |
Mean | 116.33 | 103.33 | 80.67 | 68 |
Mass of car & average distance car travels from end of track on carpet
Photo album
Down Hill ramp 1 red rod high
Down Hill ramp 3 red rods high
Down Hill ramp 4 red rods high
Back view of tower