Science Journal

For my Guided Inquiry, I set out to explore how different surfaces affect the momentum of marbles.
The results that I found , I began to ask many questions.

After identifying the problem, I began to brainstorm how I was going to find the answer to this question.  I noticed that the marbles were different masses and wondered if the mass would affect the momentum of the marbles on the different surfaces.

My results were as follows: The larger marble with more mass gained more velocity as it rolled down the
ramp. As it hit the smaller marble at the bottom of the ramp, it transferred more momentum into the smaller marble causing the smaller marble to travel further on both surfaces. The marble traveled the furthest on the smoother surface. However, the smaller marble with less mass did not gain as much velocity down the ramp. When it hit the larger marble with more mass, this marble barely moved on both surfaces. Therefore helping me understanding that the more mass an object has the more velocity it gains and momentum. The less mass an object has the less velocity it gains the less momentum. From this experience, I even discovered the affects that mass has during a collision.

The exploration of this guided inquiry experience allowed me to gain insight on the impacts that different surfaces have on the momentum of objects and how momentum transfers between objects.


Modifications to this lesson would include:  Teaching the components of motion  prior to this lesson.  Design away to keep the force consistent.  Reduce the amount of variables that could be been tested during this guided inquiry. It may be helpful to minimize or control the amount of variables for students.

Students would greatly benefit from the freedom of this exploration activity. However, there needs to be some constraints with variables and the force applied. It would also be beneficial to assign each group a different variable to test. Then establish a cooperative learning environment by allowing the groups to collectively discuss their findings. This collaboration would allow students the ability to interact with their peers and discover the answer collectively as a group.