Guided Inquiry Lab Momentum

According to Tillery, Enger, & Ross, 2008, momentum is defined as the product of the mass of an object and its velocity. In order to investigate the concept of momentum I decided to investigate the question "How do different surfaces affect the momentum of marbles ?" Based on prior knowledge I understand the mass of an object can have an affect on the momentum of an object. The greater the mass and speed of an object, the greater its momentum and the greater its transfer of energy to another object In addition I understand that momentum is also reduced by gravity and friction . To start my guided inquiry lab I decided to test my marble on three different surfaces. I chose to test the marbles on indoor carpet, linoleum, and hardwood. I also decide to run three trials on each surfaces.

First off, I set up the inquiry lab using a large size marble, a pencil , and a yardstick. I shot the marble on a carpeted surface and measured the distance it traveled across the surface. I took the average of the three trails. The marble traveled an average of 200 meters on the indoor carpet.

Secondly, I tested the marble on a linoleum surface. Once again I did three trials. The marble traveled an average 230 meters on the linoleum surface. The marvel seem to travel at a faster velocity than on the carpet. On one of the trials the marvel seem to want to travel the full length of the floor.

Thirdly, I tested the marble on a wood surface. Again I repeated the process three times. The marble traveled an average of 433 meter. The distance double the carpet and linoleum surfaces.

In conclusion I observed the the marble traveled the furthest on the wood surface. Based on the data I would conclude that the wood surface offered less friction on the marble so it was able to travel further. I did have some difficulties with the lab. One thing that I notices is that on several the trails the marvel keep going until it ran into something. It was also hard to make sure that the same force was applied each time.

Finally, this guided inquiry lab help me to get a visual understanding how important friction is to stopping or slowing down an object. I also realized the importance of keeping good tires on an automobile. This lab could be used to follow-up with a lesson on set belt safety and automobile maintance. This lab can be modified by allowing student to do a follow up lab that investigate if the mass of the marble would affect how far it travels down a homemade ramp. This would help eliminate the issue I had with assuring that that the same force is applied each time. Also student would need to get a graphic organizer to help student record data with out having to struggle with deciding how many times to do a test.

Overall, providing guided inquiry lesson will helps students get more practice with inquiry labs it would also provide student the opportunity to investigate concepts that apply to real world issues. I can also use the practice of “I wonder” questions. (Banchi & Bell, 2008) to expand the lab and allow student to discuss and reflect on results and provide explanation.

References

Tillery, B. W., Enger, E. D., & Ross, F. C. (2008). Integrated science (4th ed.).

New York: MGraw-Hill.

Banchi, H., & Bell, R. (2008). The many levels of inquiry. Science & Children, 46(2), 26–29.