1st Grade Physics Centers

Students will use balls, cars and other objects on ramps as they consider the question, "What affects the way an object rolls down a ramp?" This packet supports the Next Generation Science Standards.

The “Science Kids” series is intended to help teachers implement developmentally appropriate, hands-on science activities for children in Preschool, Kindergarten and the early grades. The activities in these packets are based on the scientific method and encourage inquiry-based learning. All activities can be differentiated to meet the needs of your students.

Concepts in this Unit:

*Some objects roll down ramps, while others slide.

*The height or texture of a ramp will change the distance and speed an object rolls.

*Changing the weight of an object will change the distance and speed it rolls down a ramp.

*An object will move around obstacles that are in its way as it rolls down a ramp

Investigations include:

*"Does it Roll or Slide?"

*"Does Height Make a Difference?"

*"Bumpy Ramps"

*"Heavy and Light"

*"Obstacles"

Printable "Prediction" and "What Really Happened?" sheets are included for many of these investigations.

Also included is a "Just for Fun" ramps art activity.

The final project in this packet is a "Design Your Own Ramp" activity with printable planning sheets and suggestions for ways that students can share their projects with their peers and others.

These 10 STEM challenges will motivate your students to come up with innovative and creative solutions as they are increasing their science and math skills. These STEM activities are most appropriate for children in Kindergarten-2nd Grade, but can be used in Preschool with the support of an adult.

► "Egg Drop"

► "Deliver a Message"

► "Bird Beak"

► "Floating Pennies"

► "Cross the River"

► "Marshmallow Tower"

► "Marble Roller Coaster"

► "Newspaper House"

► "Magnet Fish"

► "Pom Pom Launcher"

All of the activities in this packet follow a 5-step process:

Introduction- This is the part of the lesson where the teacher defines the challenge and the students begin to brainstorm solutions. There are no right or wrong answers during this part of the lesson.

Planning- Students work together (usually with a partner or in a small group) to come up with a potential solution for the challenge.

Construction- This is the building stage!

Testing- The students test their designs to see if they have solved the problem, and met the challenge.

Evaluation- The students critique their designs and think about what they might change.