Ramp It Up!

by Felicia

#Scienceofplay47

Learn to experiment with speed by using easily accessible materials.

Skill Level: Easy

Suitable For: 3 - 4 years old

Estimated Time: 15 - 30 mins

Environment: Indoors

Learning Framework

Physical - Fine motor skills (rolling dough, pincer grasp)
Intellectual - Observing, hypothesising, comparing, infering
Emotional - Engagement, confidence
Social - Cooperation

Materials

Step 1

Take a piece of plasticine or equivalent and roll it into a ball (estimated diameter of 2cm).

Step 3

Take another piece of rectangular strip of paper and loop it around the first loop perpendicularly. Secure the ends with a piece of tape. This loop should secure the ball within the loop. The 2 paper loops should form a “cross” when viewed from the top. You have now finished forming your little vehicle!

Step 5

Place your vehicle on top of the ramp (your vehicle should roll down the ramp). Change the gradient of the slope to observe whether your vehicle rolls down faster or slower.

2 pieces of rectangular strips of papers (e.g. 2.5cm x 18cm)
Plasticines
Play-Doh or Soft clay
Scotch tape
Paper (at least A3 size)

Step 2

Take 1 rectangular strip of paper, secure the ends with a piece of scotch tape so that it forms a loop. Put the ball of plasticine into the paper loop.

Step 4

Use the cardboard plank or equivalent to form a ramp.