Center Focus

Inclined to Slide

  1. You will need several different blocks of different weights, a set of weights, or you can use one block to which different weights may be attached.
  2. Students will need to have access to a flat, smooth surface that can be used as an inclined plane for this center.
  3. Have students follow this procedure:
    • Place a block on one end of the plane.
    • Slowly lift the edge of the plane that is nearest the block.
    • Record the height at which the block just begins to slide.
    • Do this with all of the different weights (or blocks).
    • Record the data.
  4. Students should make conclusions based on their data and notice any correlations.