SCIE-6661S-1 Exploring the Physical World---Week 2 Guided Inquiry---Surface affects Momentum

 

In my chosen guided inquiry I selected how two different surfaces affect the momentum of a marble? My hypothesis is if I compare the linoleum floor to the carpeted floor in my school hallway then the momentum of the marble will be faster and go further on the linoleum. For my experiment I used the large marble, a meter stick, linoleum, and carpeted hallway flooring. For each trial, I tested each surface three times, I averaged the results. I marked the floor with tape and rolled the marble in the designated area.  The following are my results: on the carpeted floor the average distance was 12 centimeters, and on the linoleum the average distance was 52 centimeters. Based on prior knowledge I knew that the carpet would cause friction and imped the speed and distance of the marble. When assessing the floors the carpets texture looked rougher in comparison to the linoleum indicating to me a possible impairment in momentum. Challenges I encountered during my experiment were minimal with the exception of keeping the marble in the defined boundary. If I chose to do this experiment in the classroom I would consider creating a track with different surfaces. This would eliminate the problem of the wandering marble.  

This experiment is a good example of guided inquiry for students. My students will have the opportunity to learn how to independently inquire, use data, and adapt design to accommodate problems. With my 8^th grade students I can associate the surface to possible concerns for road surfaces when they become drivers. To give more opportunity for the students to explore perhaps we could test other surfaces around the school. During state standardized testing Newton’s laws are addressed. We spend time before the test reviewing concepts learned in prior years and this activity would be an excellent way to review the laws and see where they apply.