Investigating the distance travelled by toy cars
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 1 (end of Year 2) | |
| Grade C | Kim Lee Sam Terry Cameron |
| Grade D | Jamie Pat Jessie Taylor |
Foundation Statement strands
The following strands are covered in this activity:
Investigating Scientifically, Designing and Making, The Made Environment
Description of activity
Students design and make two toy cars to investigate whether the size of the wheels affects the distance a car will travel after rolling down a ramp.
Instructions:
- Students are asked to investigate the question “Do cars with big wheels go further than ones with small wheels?”
- They make a prediction of the possible results of the investigation.
- Students are set the design task to plan and make two identical toy cars – one with large wheels, the other with small wheels.
- Students conduct the investigation by setting up a ramp and measuring how far the cars roll from the base of the ramp.
- They make a drawing of the method they used and record their results.
Suggested materials
Lego blocks to build cars with different wheel sizes, a ramp, a measuring tape
Prior learning
This investigation is a small part of an integrated Science and Technology and Human Society and Its Environment unit of work on Transport. It focuses on transport in the area surrounding the school and the ways in which students get to and from school. The unit is linked to appropriate knowledge, understanding and skill areas developed through the relevant Working Mathematically and Measurement strands of the Mathematics K-6 syllabus. Students have undertaken first-hand experiences in investigating, designing and making and using technology to develop their understanding about the made environment. This activity assesses students' understanding and skills in implementing aspects of the investigating process by observing, predicting, testing and recording accurate results.
Outcomes
Products and Services (PS S1.5)
Grows, makes or processes some products using a range of techniques and materials.
Investigating (INV S1.7)
Conducts guided investigations by observing, questioning, predicting, collecting and recording data, and suggesting possible explanations.
Designing and Making (DM S1.8)
Develops, implements own design ideas in response to an investigation of needs and wants.
Using Technology (UTS 1.9)
Selects and uses a range of equipment, computer-based technology, materials and other resources to undertake an investigation or design task.
Criteria for assessing learning
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- Select and use appropriate materials and tools to make the cars
- Predict the results of the investigation
- Make a drawing of the investigation
- Record the results.