|
Parents and children work in pairs to create a "croquet ground" track that a marble can race along using only force, gravity, and speed.
Materials needed:
- pipe insulation cut in half through the diameter
- marbles
- toothpicks
- masking tape
- props to raise and lower the track, i.e., the wall, chairs, tables, blocks, books
To do:
- Each pair receives three pieces of pipe insulation, a handful of toothpicks, a roll of masking tape, and a marble.
- Challenge each pair to create a track that allows the marble to complete a loop.
- The tracks can be joined at the ends using toothpicks, and held in place using masking tape.
- As participants work, ask them to think about what makes the marble move fast. If the marble won't complete the loop, ask them what factors might help the marble to make it. Does it need more speed? Does the track need to be smoother? Is the marble moving too fast? What about the loop? Could it be too big or too small?
- When pairs succeed with creating one loop, encourage them to create more loops or obstacles. How unique can their "croquet course" look? What happens if a larger marble is used on the same track?
- Five minutes before the ending time, gather the group. Explain to the "engineers" that often in the workplace, people create models and then ask their peers to help them critique their design. Encourage each pair to explain to the other engineers the challenges and success they encountered while creating their course. If a pair was unable to solve one of their challenges, but received suggestions for a solution for their peers, allow time for the pair to implement the changes and test the new course.
|
