A Speedy Slide
Recommended for grades 5–8.
Introduction
You have been familiar with playgrounds and slides since you were a small child. The force of gravity pulls you down a slide. The force of friction slows you down. In the first part of this experiment, you will use a Motion Detector to determine your speed or velocity going down a playground slide. In the second part, you will experiment with different ways to increase your speed going down the slide.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to determine your speed going down a slide.
- Experiment with ways to increase your speed going down the slide.
- Explain your results.
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 Middle School 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.