The question I chose to explore for this guided inquiry was, “How do different surfaces affect the momentum of marbles?” To answer this question, I rolled a marble across three surfaces; cement, dirt, and carpet. To keep from having too many variables, I shot the marble with a spring loaded “Nerf” type gun of my son’s. I took three measurements on each surface. The measurement is as follows:
Surface - Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3
Concrete - 198.5” - 208” - 219.75”
Dirt - 6.25” - 17.5” - 20.75”
Carpet - 41” - 43” - 51.25”
Data shows that smooth surfaces provide less friction and allows the momentum of the marble to carry the marble farther. I also discovered that with each trial, on every surface, the distance increased. This information is interesting to me and if I had more time, I think I would continue on other surfaces or with subsequent rolls of the marble on the same surface.
I did face some challenges in the experiment. One was that I could not be certain that the entire length of each surface was 100% level. The second was that the angle in which the “bullet” hit the marble was not always the same and thus the path the marble traveled was not always the same.
I really enjoyed taking part in this guided inquiry. If I were to complete this activity with my class, and if they were to notice the pattern in the data collected, I probably would have used that as an opportunity to have them write “I wonder” questions. (Banchi & Bell, 2008) Although setting up this experiment from the given question was very easy for me, I think it would have provided a challenge for many of my students unless they had been given ample practice in using the scientific method. I know they would enjoy working through the process and would gain much more than just information or finding a “right” answer. They would have the joy of engaging, exploring, investigating, searching and they could connect it to their real world. (Kuhlthau, Caspari, and Maniotes, 2007)
References
Banchi, H., & Bell, R. (2008). The many levels of inquiry. Science & Children, 46(2), 26–29.
Kuhlthau, Carol C., Maniotes, Leslie K., & Caspari, Ann K. (2007) Guided Inquiry: learning in the 21st century. Libraries Unlimited.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
B
ReplyDeleteI considered this question but could not decide how to have a consistent speed for all of the trials. I think using the nerf gun was an excellent idea. Did your son assist you with your inquiry?
P - No. He was invited to swim at a friend house the afternoon I planned to complete the inquiry. As much as he likes science - I couldn't compete with swimming with friends! My husband, however, couldn't resist jumping in to help! I actually needed his help to measure the distance traveled, but I really think he just wanted to shoot the gun. :) But it was important to realize that students should work in pairs at a minimum.
ReplyDeleteI almost used this experiment, but had trouble finding a way to get the same velocity on the marble too. I wonder if you put a trach of wood on both sides if that would eliminate the variable. Another idea is to cover a piece of race track with different types of material to get a varity of surfaces, and then hold the gun a centimeter away to give the direction. What do you think of these ideas?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to try this one but could not figure out how to launch the marble the same each time. I was going to try a ruler with a curve in it but they were all at school.
ReplyDeleteExcellent call on working with a partner. Scientists need to collaborate, and so do we--and our students, in order to expand upon our learning.
ReplyDeleteYour lesson clearly demonstrates the importance of forces that resist motion (friction). This would be fun to use in class--especially the spring-loaded gun part!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry this is late. I did not understand what I was doing. That is very interesting, as you pointed out, that each subsequent trial resulted in a longer measurement. It would have been interesting to see if the pattern would have continued for six or more measurements. Additionally, I wonder if there is a direct relationship in distance if the weight of the marble was altered (e.g. if a marble was twice as heavy, would there be a direct relationship to the change in distances).
ReplyDelete