Motion Experiment Presentations - Day 1

Presentation 1

Our first presentation detailed an experiment to find out what
effect surface material has on the speed of a toy car.

The surface area of the three ramps were aluminum foil, cardboard, and felt.

Three identical cars were used to ensure this variable remained constant.

The median time each took to complete the ramp was calculated and the cardboard
surface was found to be fastest. The conclusion was that smoother surfaces allow
wheels to travel faster.

Presentation 2

Our second presentation detailed an experiment in which the material of each ball was
the independent variable. The three balls were rolled down a ramp and across the floor.

Balls with a bumpier texture were found to be slower than smooth balls. 

This presentation included a few video segments to allow us to see how it was conducted.

Presentation 3

Our third presentation dealt with the effect of slope on roller skates. 

Three different hills were used in this experiment. The hill that was steepest allowed the skates
to roll quickest.

The variables that remained the same for each trial were: (1) skater, (2) skates, and (3) distance.

Presentation 4

Our fourth presentation deal with the effects of surface material on the
speed of a toy car.

A two-lane ramp was constructed. One lane was wood and the other was coated with
foam wrap. There were two cars used in the experiment and though they looked slightly
different they had the same mass.

The wood lane was slightly faster than the foam lane.

Presentation 5

Our final presentation of the day told of an experiment in which three different balls were
dropped 15 feet off a porch. 

Each ball was dropped three times. The middle figure of these three constituted the median
value and was used to compare the drop time of the balls. 

The smallest ball dropped the fastest. The largest ball dropped the slowest. However, the largest
ball was full of air and the other two were solid. We wondered if this might have had an effect on the results -
in addition to the balls being different sizes. One experiment always has the potential of leading
us to another one with new questions.