Rubber Ramp with Stackers

Product Dimensions 25 ft' rubber ramp Shipping Weight 20lbs Item Model Number 10-rmp-rr-001 Pieces - rubber ramp - stackers - wood balls Materials black rubber, pvc, wood ball Color black, natural wood, pvc

From the Classroom The Rubber Ramp Kit was developed to explore Newton’s Laws of Motion. We suggest that you (teachers and parents) begin exploring the materials in the kit and then share them with your children. Compare and contrast: smooth side and raised side of the rubber ramp, sizes, and weights of the wooden balls, length, and shape of the stands. Lay the rubber ramp out flat on the floor. Elevate one end slightly. Invite children to roll the balls from end to end. Then, they step back as they discover the physics that makes the ramp work. First, offer one ball type and then others. Vary the size, shape, and texture using ping-pong balls, golf balls, or large marbles. Ask the children to compare and explain the differences they see and experience. Does one type move faster? Slower? Do any jump off the rubber track? Which balls work “best” according to the children’s criteria? What adjustments can you make to the rubber track to reach a desired outcome? Try changing the elevation by adding or removing the ramp stands or adding a curve to the path. Does the elevation or shape of the path affect the outcome? Help the children document their findings. Take pictures, make notes and drawings, and use graphs or charts. Then, based on the data, re-design. Each set-up will yield different outcomes, teach various concepts, and challenge children differently. Instead of ramp stands, try setting up chairs or books. Make a long, straight path with one big bump or a curvy one with little bumps. As the children become familiar and comfortable setting up and using the rubber ramp, offer some challenges. How could we set up a loop-de-loop? Can larger balls push smaller balls down the ramp? How do we set up a big circular or oval path? Consider the following vocabulary to help children reach new understandings: momentum, speed, energy, push, force angle, curve, position, slant, slope change, alter, adjust, modify, design, variable sphere, inclined plane Extend learning by incorporating literacy. We suggest the following books: Ramps and Pathways by R. Devries & C. Sales Inclined Planes To The Rescue by S. Thales Roll, Slope and Slide by Michael Dahl Mama Zooms! by Jane Cowden Rolling Rose by James Stevenson