Materials:
- kite string
- index cards
- marbles
- tape
- paper clips
- paper cups (any size)
- scissors
- bullseye target
For the zip line, students should use a length of kite string. Construct the zip line by placing two chairs six feet apart and tying or taping the string to both chairs. To achieve the correct angle, students will want to tie one side to the back of the chair with the other side to the seat of the chair.
Students will use the paper cup as a gondola. Students will attach a marble to it and then release it onto the bullseye. Generally, students will come up with one or two scenarios for attaching the marble: cut a hole in the side of the cup to dispense the marble or design a ledge for it. No matter what creative solution students decide on, a length of string will need to be taped to the bottom of the cup so that as the cup approaches its target, the marble can easily be released.
In addition to designing a way to hold and then release the marble, students will need to find a way for the cup to slide down the zipline and will also need to determine when to release the marble so that it lands on the target.
So, what did we learn?
National Science Standards: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry, understanding about scientific inquiry, position and motion of objects, motions and forces, transfer of energy, abilities of technological design, understanding science and technology, science as a human endeavor.
NCTM Standards: Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements, Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them, build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving, Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems, create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas.
Other STEM skills: Communication, critical thinking, problem solving, observation, collaboration, data recording, data analysis, teamwork.
