It's time to slow your roll! Can your class create a track that allows a marble to roll as slowly as possible? Teams of science scholars collaborate to design, build, and test their tubes while learning about gravity and friction.

Concepts

gravity, friction, drag, rolling, engineering design, momentum, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Incorporate recycled materials into the project or have groups scavenge their own supplies
• Go interdisciplinary by drawing a parallel between the project and Roman aqueducts; show a video about these ancient marvels to give the class design ideas
  

Classroom Considerations

• Groups will need an area that includes furniture, so consider scheduling some not-so-quiet time in the library for the activity
• Start saving paper towel tubes well in advance of the lesson; ask pupils to bring some from home as well
  

Pros

• Teacher's guide contains ideas for gearing the project to the age of your class
• The activity is very student-driven and stresses teamwork and observation
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3