Teacher Lesson Plans | Data & Assessment Sheets

Lesson Plans

Each of the Educational STEM kits includes lesson plans and ideas for learning labs that align with national science standards.

Lesson plans included with the following kits:

Edu Fun and Physics STEM Kits

Edu Beginning Force & Motion STEM Kit

Edu Advanced Force & Motion STEM Kit

Edu Engineering Coaster & Motion STEM Kit

Edu Advanced Coaster Design STEM Kit

Sample Lesson Plans

Experiment 4: Let it snow! Friction and Surface Energy

How do different materials impact the travel of cars?

Learner Objective:

ETS-1 Be able to ask questions, make observations and gather information to solve a problem.
2 PS 1-1 Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials work best

Materials:

2 cars (racers) and additional cars
teaspoon
table salt
rock/sea salt (sand may also be used)
insert for each track
straight edge

Setup Instructions:

Step 1: This experiment uses both tracks, 4 lanes. Have students choose a car and have it race down lane 1. Measure the distance traveled. (Use student data chart). Discuss: What caused the car to roll down the track? Answer: The force of gravity.

Step 2: Discussion and thinking prompts: If we added something along the surface of the track what would the cars do? Why does the travel or trajectory of the cars change when a material is added?
In lanes 2 and 3 Insert a 10 inch insert in each track about 4 inches from where the curve of the track ends. Using the measuring spoon, spread 1 teaspoon of table salt along the length of that insert.

Step 3: Race the same cars down lane 2 and 3. Record results and observations.

Step 4: In lane 4, using the measuring spoon, spread 1 teaspoon of rock/sea salt (or sand) along the length of the insert.

Step 5: Race the same cars down lane 4. Record results and observations.

Discussion Prompts:

Have you ever been outside when it has been cold and slippery?
Have you seen road signs that warn of slippery spots?
Why do road crews in some areas add salt or sand to roads?
Is it easier or harder to ride a bicycle on gravel roads compared to sidewalks?
Why are some wheels slippery and some grip better?
Why are some shoes slippery and some grip better?
Why do some bicycles have big bumpy tires and some have skinny, more smooth wheels?
A harder surface will have less surface energy and less friction. Can a surface have too little surface energy
Ice skaters use what to travel on the ice?

Environmental application:

Can putting something down on the top help hold a road or place together? Talk about erosion.

Lesson 7: Natural Curve… Fastest solution….The Brachistochrone Curve

The word "Brachistochrone" is from the Greek meaning "shortest" and "time." A body takes less time to fall along the arc of a circumference than to fall along the "line" of a corresponding chord.

Learner Objective:

Explore and understand the concept of the Brachistochrone curve and its application in physics by conducting an experiment using two 18 ft Blu Track race tracks.
Learn about the principles of gravitational acceleration, the calculus of variations, and the practical implications of these principles.

Materials:

Two 18-foot race tracks
Two anchor bars
Two identical cars/items
Painter’s tape
Meter stick or measuring tape
Marker (optional)
Protractor or angle measuring tool (optional)

Setup Instructions:

*This experiment could also be completed with Blu Track anchored to the floor.

Step 1: Determine anchor point for each 18 ft Blu Track. This is where the anchor bar will be placed 4 ft 6 inches out from the wall/hanging surface and secured. Painters’ tape works well on most surfaces to secure the anchor bar.

Step 2: Measure 28 inches in vertical height from anchor point. Attach each suction cup or alternate hanger as the designated drop point.

Step 3: Attach one Blu Track to each drop point and anchor point.

Step 4: Establish one track as the straight incline track and pull track tight to anchor point.

Step 5: By pulling the end of the other track, adjust it so that the natural curve (Brachistochrone curve) is established and anchored. This may take some fine adjustments.

Discussion Prompts:

Briefly introduce the concept of the Brachistochrone curve and its history.

Discuss the problem posed by Johann Bernoulli and how it led to the development of the calculus of variations.
Bernoulli, a highly renowned Swiss mathematician, challenged others to solve the problem: Given two points A and B in a vertical plane, what is the curve traced out by a point acted on only by gravity, which starts at A and reaches B in the shortest time.

Directions:

Divide the class into small groups and distribute the materials.

Instruct each group to set up their Blu Track race tracks with identical start and end points but different paths. One track should be shaped to approximate the Brachistochrone curve and the other should be a straight incline.
Students release a car simultaneously on each track to see the effects of the different paths.
Encourage students to conduct multiple trials for each path to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results. Students should swap the cars between trials to control for any potential differences between them.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Groups compare their findings, discussing why the car travels faster on the Brachistochrone curve compared to the straight incline.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Facilitate a class discussion of the experiment’s outcomes and theoretical implications. Encourage students to reflect on what they observed.

How does the shape of the path affect descent time?
How does this concept apply to the broader context of physics and math such as the principles of gravitational acceleration and calculus of variations?
Highlight real-world applications such as the physics and engineering of roller coasters and water slides as well as in robotics and computer animation.

Student Data Collection Sheets

Sample Sheets

Lesson 4: Friction, Variables and Prediction of Future Motion

How do different materials impact the travel of cars?

Learner Objective:

Be able to show and explain what variables are and how they change results. Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

Student Scientist Data Sheet:

Let it Snow! Friction

Big Question:

How does friction affect the motion of cars?

I predict in the lane with table salt, cars will…
I predict in the lane with rock salt, cars will…
I predict if we put _____________ in a lane, the cars will…

My data:

To make the surface of the track faster:

To make cars move faster:

Our conclusion:

Friction affected the motion of our cars…

Real life driving example: Road surfaces can change when…

This means when I drive I…

Lesson 7: Natural Curve...Fastest Solution...The Brachistochrone Curve

Objectives:

Explore and understand the concept of the Brachistochrone curve and its application in physics by conducting an experiment using two 6 Ft Blu Track® race tracks. Learn about the principles of gravitational acceleration, the calculus of variations, and the practical implications of these principles.

Student Response:

Overview:

Explain who Johann Bernoulli is and the question he challenged others to answer:

Data and Analysis:

Diagram your experiment including measurements:

List and explain at least 3 variables that could have an impact on the results of your experiment. What measures did you take into account for the variables?

Results and conclusions:

How does the shape of the path affect descent time of an object

Explain at least 2 examples of real world math, physics and engineering applications of the Brachistochrone Curve principle.

Sample Student Assessment Sheets

Sample Assessment Sheets

Lesson 4: Friction, Variables and Prediction of Future Motion

How do different materials impact the travel of cars?

Objective:

Assessment Rubric Lesson 4

Lesson 7: Natural Curve...Fastest Solution...The Brachistochrone

Objective:

Explore and understand the concept of the Brachistochrone curve and its application in physics by conducting an experiment using two 6 Ft Blu Track race tracks. Learn about the principles of gravitational acceleration, the calculus of variations, and the practical implications of these principles.

Assessment Rubric Lesson 7

Instruction & Set Up Guides

Learn more about our Edu STEM Kits and how Blu Track® is committed to teaching students about science, technology, engineering, and math.