Title:

Banking on Speed!

Grade Level:

8

Subject:

Science

Author:

nbclearn

Time:

60 min

Lesson Plan Type:

Interactive Instruction

Keywords:

Bobsled, Bobsledding, Bobsled Run, Push Start, Gravity, Push Off, Bobsled Track, Track, Course, Trajectory, Velocity, Speed, Acceleration, Accelerating, Force, Mass, Maximum Force, Conservation, Momentum, Air Resistance, Drag, Friction, Aerodynamic, Sled Design, Fiberglass, Hooded Suits, Tuck Formation, Turn, Banked Turn, Curve, Racing Line, Physics, Dynamic Motions and Forces, Motion, Statics, olympics

Brief Description:

Students will learn about the Olympic bobsled run, from starting push to the finish line, to explore concepts about acceleration, velocity, gravity, and drag. Students will conduct an experiment to learn about the acceleration of gravity on objects of differing mass.

  

Related Links:

Link 1:
Link 2:

Goal(s):

Students will learn about the Olympic bobsled run, from starting push to the finish line, to explore concepts about acceleration, velocity, gravity, and drag. Students will conduct an experiment to learn about the acceleration of gravity on objects of differing mass

Specific Objectives:

 Students will be able to:

1. Ask scientific questions.
2. Define and discuss concepts about acceleration, velocity, gravity, and drag.
3. Conduct a simulation experiment to learn about the acceleration of gravity on objects of differing mass.

Required Materials:

• The NBC Learn Video: Banking on Speed: Bobsled
• a copy of the worksheet, “Student Activity: Banking on Speed & The Bobsled” for each student
• a ten foot length of 1½ inch diameter PVC
• five identical, small test tubes with stoppers
• water
• metal fillings
• a stopwatch
• cushion
• paper
• pencils 
  

Anticipatory Set (Lead-in):

Ask students to raise their hand if they have ever been in a bobsled before. Next, ask them to raise their hand if they have ever seen a bobsled race. Allow a few volunteers to share any stories they have about either their playing or viewing experience. Tell students that they are going to learn about the science behind bobsledding. View the NBC Learn Video: Banking on Speed: Bobsled.

Lesson Plan Procedure:

1. Tell students that they are going to learn about the acceleration of gravity on objects of differing mass by creating their own miniature bobsled chute and racing little test tubes- which will simulate how bobsleds move down a real chute.
2. Remind students that they are responsible for being very careful with all materials, especially the glass test tubes. Also tell students that they will be required to follow the directions provided to them on the Student Activity Sheet.
3. See attached Student Activity Sheet for remainder of procedure.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):

Ask one person from each group to discuss one thing they discovered when they did this experiment. Write their statements on the board. Encourage students to try to contribute a new idea rather than repeat one that has already been written down. After all the groups have shared and the statements have been written, ask students if their statements could also apply to a real bobsled race. Discuss how their simulation and real bobsledding is similar and how it is different.

Plan for Independent Practice:

Tell students that the final part of their simulation experiment will be to complete Part Two of the Student Activity Sheet. Students must answer the seven questions by analyzing the data they obtained from their experiment.

Assessment Based on Objectives:

Begin the next day’s lesson with the quiz titled, “Banking on Speed!�.

Possible Connections to Other Subjects:

Social Studies/History/Technology: Students can research the history of bobsledding and summarize the milestones of the sport in a PowerPoint presentation. Students can then present their project to the class.

Adaptations and Extensions:

 

Additional Notes: