Friction

By Platform Administrator · Submitted Sep 30, 2026

Content Area

Science and Technology/Engineering

Grade

2

Small groups of students identify a problem where they need to control speed, for example, a walkway on a steep hill, a wheelchair ramp, moving a basket of lunches to the lunchroom or games and balls from inside to outside for recess, delivering snacks to trick or treaters or patient dogs. Students experiment with how various materials increase or decrease an object's moving speed over a surface. Based on analyzing various materials they will design a solution to the problem they have identified and design a model or prototype. Students share their solutions with their peer group or a broader audience for feedback. Their audience will depend on their goals. For example, they may wish to approach the school principal about a solution to moving things through the hallways or from inside to outside for recess and gym.

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