Curious Kids Science Club: Make Your Car Fly With Forces & Friction

Have you ever wanted to know how to make your toy car go faster?  You will learn about how friction works to slow things down so you can make a hot-wheels car go faster and farther down a ramp!  The scientific method will be introduced to guide us through the experiment.  The learners will ask the question "What material has the least friction and makes the car go the farthest?"  Learners will gather information by discussing the definitions of forces and friction together.  We will explore with various materials and make a hypothesis about which material will create the least amount of friction so the car goes the farthest down a ramp.  We will make a simple ramp out of books or a board and test the hypothesis.  Learners will push the car down the ramp, use a ruler to measure the distance traveled, and record the data on a simple table.  We will use this data to create a bar graph to share the results.  By the end of this lesson, the learners will be able to explain what forces and friction are, give examples, and share results from their experiments.  

The class will be structured with a few minutes for introductions and jumping right into the definitions of forces and friction.  We will use hand motions to help remember the meanings.  We will conduct the experiment and discuss the scientific method as we go.  At the end of class we will create the bar graphs and share them with each other.  If we finish early, learners can manipulate the materials again and see how it changes the experiment.   I will be modeling the experiment as we go.  The learners will be unmuted for introductions, discussing, and sharing but stay muted during the explanation.  Learners do not need any prior experience but will need to have supplies gathered and ready.  It will be so fun to explore forces and friction together!  Let's go learn how to make your car fly!