Go inside the dynamic science of collisions with an activity that lets students practice their inquiry skills as they learn about the protective power of cushioning.
GUIDING QUESTION
What happens during a collision and how can the force of the impact be reduced?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
• demonstrate the protection that cushion (bubble) wrap offers.
• investigate different protection designs.
• identify variables that affect the capacity of a sugar cube to survive a collision.
OVERVIEW
Collisions are a part of everyday life. Some are wanted (baseball and bat), some are unwanted
(car crash), while others are unavoidable (stubbing one’s toe). There is a great deal of basic
science involved with collisions and in this lesson. Students will investigate some of this science as well as practice and develop their inquiry skills.
Includes Family Activity
Grades 6 – 8