Constructing A Car Ramp

Our students have spent some time investigating how cars fly.  They have watched videos of Monster Truck races and jumps, and used snow and their classroom toys to construct ramps to fly cars from.  

These were some of the materials students were
invited to use to construct their ramps.

Ms. Marrella and I divided our students into small groups.  We asked them to work together to construct a ramp that would allow a toy car to fly.  They were invited to choose and use a variety of materials. 

First, students in their groups worked together to design their ramps.  Then they presented their designs to the class.

"We're going to put some egg cartons and
boxes together.  Then we're going to
put a water bottle on the ramp."
Presentation by: E. L.

"We put a bottle. We put a box beside the
bottle. Put a car on top of the cardboard."
Presentation by: J. P.

"It's a trampoline. You put a car on top to
make it jump." Presentation by: S. E.

"Cut a piece of wood, put a ramp on top
and put a car on top."
Presentation by: M. R.

"This is the water bottle. This is the
egg carton. The ramp is made of iron."
Presentation by: N. C.

After their presentations, each group selected materials and began constructing their ramps.  Students were challenged to design a functioning ramp.  This required students to test their ramps with a toy car.  Some groups learned that they needed to reinforce the base of their ramps in order to avoid collapsing. 

Each group presented their ramp construction to the class. 

"We put bottles on cardboard, glue and tape.
Then it (the cars) will jump on the trampoline (bottles)."
Presentation by: A. M.

"We used cardboard, tape and cartons.
We taped a long board and a tiny one together."
Presentation by: G. V.

"We used cardboard, paper and quilts and tape.
The bottle helps it (car) start. The egg carton
(under the ramp) helps it stand" Presentation by: A. V.

"We used cardboard, tape and BINGO dabbers
and a bottle.  The bottle helps it (car) slide."
Presentation by: K. V.

"We put a bell. It goes 'Ding, ding, ding' so
it (car) knows where to go." Presentation by: M. C.

Reflecting Thoughts

Ms. Marrella and I wanted our students to use this opportunity to work together and solve a variety of problems that may arise.  For example, one group accidentally spilled a whole bottle of glue.  Though it was much harder for me, Ms. Marrella and I waited for the students to notice and figure out how to clean it up.  We also noticed that most groups experienced difficulty cutting pieces of tape until one group solved this problem by using scissors.  In another group, the ramp fell flat when they did their test run.  This problem was solved by using egg cartons to strengthen the ramp. 

In addition to problem solving, Ms. Marrella and I also wanted our students to experience team work.  In one group, a student motivated his team by chanting, "Lets go team! We can do it!"  We were really proud to see our students cheer the other teams in genuine excitement when they presented their ramps to the class.

As a wrap up to this activity, Ms. Marrella and I asked our students to think about their experiences. They were invited to share their thoughts.  Here is what they said...

M. B. "It was so much fun!"

G. V. "You have to build it high so it can jump high and hit the trees."

M. C. "You have to work together just like a team."

M. R. "There has to be an elevator for the car to get to the top."

J. P.  "It's important to make it strong so it (car) can go fast!"

S. E. "We have to share so no one is sad."

A. M. "I like my team."