What a Drag! (Computer)

Use the Vernier Dual-Range Force Sensor and Go!Link to measure the frictional force between different shoe soles and the floor.

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Learning Objectives

In this activity, you will

Make observations and predictions about shoes.
Measure the force needed to pull different shoes across a surface.

Download an Evaluation Lab

The evaulation labs contain background information, objectives, materials list, and step-by-step student instructions.

What a Drag! Lab Book: Elementary Science with Vernier

What Do I Need?
Standards Correlation
Related Videos

Go!Link	Order Code: GO-LINK	$61
Dual-Range Force Sensor	Order Code: DFS-BTA	$109
Middle School Science with Vernier	Order Code: MSV	$48

National Science Education Standard Correlations

A.1.2.a Grades K-4	In the earliest years, investigations are largely based on systematic observations. As students develop, they may design and conduct simple experiments to answer questions. The idea of a fair test is possible for many students to consider by fourth grade.
A.1.3.a Grades 5-8	The use of tools and techniques, including mathematics, will be guided by the question asked and the investigations students design. The use of computers for the collection, summary, and display of evidence is part of this standard. Students should be able to access, gather, store, retrieve, and organize data, using hardware and software designed for these purposes.
A.1.3.a Grades K-4	In early years, students develop simple skills, such as how to observe, measure, cut, connect, switch, turn on and off, pour, hold, tie, and hook. Beginning with simple instruments, students can use rulers to measure the length, height, and depth of objects and materials; thermometers to measure temperature; watches to measure time; beam balances and spring scales to measure weight and force; magnifiers to observe objects and organisms; and microscopes to observe the finer details of plants, animals, rocks, and other materials. Children also develop skills in the use of computers and calculators for conducting investigations.
A.1.8.a Grades 5-8	Mathematics is essential to asking and answering questions about the natural world. Mathematics can be used to ask questions; to gather, organize, and present data; and to structure convincing explanations.
A.2.2 Grades K-4	Scientists use different kinds of investigations depending on the questions they are trying to answer. Types of investigations include describing objects, events, and organisms; classifying them; and doing a fair test (experimenting).
A.2.3 Grades K-4	Simple instruments, such as magnifiers, thermometers, and rulers, provide more information than scientists obtain using only their senses.
B.2.1 Grades 5-8	The motion of an object can be described by its position, direction of motion, and speed. That motion can be measured and represented on a graph.
E.1.4.a Grades K-4	Students should evaluate their own results or solutions to problems, as well as those of other children, by considering how well a product or design met the challenge to solve a problem. When possible, students should use measurements and include constraints and other criteria in their evaluations. They should modify designs based on the results of evaluations.
E.2.3 Grades 5-8	Science and technology are reciprocal. Science helps drive technology, as it addresses questions that demand more sophisticated instruments and provides principles for better instrumentation and technique. Technology is essential to science, because it provides instruments and techniques that enable observations of objects and phenomena that are otherwise unobservable due to factors such as quantity, distance, location, size, and speed. Technology also provides tools for investigations, inquiry, and analysis.
E.2.5 Grades K-4	Tools help scientists make better observations, measurements, and equipment for investigations. They help scientists see, measure, and do things that they could not otherwise see, measure, and do.

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