Grow Up Great
Note: Before beginning this experiment, make three ramps by taping each strip of cardboard to one of the blocks, raising each ramp the height of one block. Identify the ramps by writing 1, 2 and 3 on the cardboard.
A ramp is a surface with an incline. All vehicles with wheels roll easily down ramps due to gravity. The height of a ramp affects how far a vehicle with wheels will go and how fast the vehicle will travel. For example, the higher the ramp, the faster and further a vehicle will go.
These lessons are aligned with the Common Core State Standards ("CCSS"). The CCSS provide a consistent, clear understanding of the concepts and skills children are expected to learn and guide teachers to provide their students with opportunities to gain these important skills and foundational knowledge.**
A ramp is a surface with an incline. All vehicles with wheels roll easily down ramps due to gravity. The height of a ramp affects how far a vehicle with wheels will go and how fast the vehicle will travel. For example, the higher the ramp, the faster and further a vehicle will go.
Things roll easily if they have curved sides without sharp edges. Round or circular things (like balls and wheels) roll very easily. When circular or round things are on a hill or a slanted surface, they roll because of the force of gravity. Many transportation vehicles use ramps to travel on roads. Ramps are found on highways and allow cars to pass over other roads without crossing any other traffic on those roads.
- Give the children paper and crayons so they can document their observations.
- This lesson involves a lot of action and language. Some children may need more time and experiences to process and understand the concepts that are being explored.
- Ramps and Wedges by Chris Oxlade
- Roll, Slope, and Slide: A Book About Ramps by Michael Dahl
- Ramps (Simple Machines) by Kay Manolis
- Ramps and Wedges by Sian Smith
While we believe that the books and resources recommended may be of value to you, keep in mind that these are suggestions only and you must do your own due diligence to determine whether the materials are appropriate and suitable for your use. PNC has no sponsorship or endorsement agreement with the authors or publishers of the materials listed.
There are currently no Common Core Standards for pre-k, but these lessons are aligned as closely as possible to capture the requirements and meet the goals of Common Core Standards. However, these lessons were neither reviewed or approved by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices or the Council of Chief State School Officers, which together are the owners and developers of the Common Core State Standards.
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