What a Drag!
Recommended for grades K–5.
Introduction
Why do you have to wear tennis shoes to your physical education class? Have you ever worn slippery-soled dress shoes? In this lab, you will observe the differences between the slickness of the bottom of different shoes. When the shoes are dragged across a surface, a frictional force opposes the motion. If the bottom of shoe is slick, you will need less force to pull it across the table because there is less friction. The opposite is also true— if the bottom of the shoe is very sticky, or bumpy, you will need a bigger force to pull it, because it creates a larger frictional force.
Objectives
In this activity, you will
- Make observations and predictions about shoes.
- Measure the force needed to pull different shoes across a surface.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Elementary Science with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.