We did some experiments over lockdown to reduce friction and to make things travel further.

When we were all back in school we discussed the science behind friction (as well as when friction is beneficial). We undertook some experiments using some of the amazing resources that came from SSERC.

We had to find out if friction would help our wind up dinosaurs climb the slope.

We made our hypothesis and set to work.

We were in three groups and  to begin with we left the plastic track flat. We measured how far the dinosaur got. We then raised the track onto a block and measured how far it went. Finally we raised the track onto two blocks and measured. We then used various materials to try and increase the friction  to allow the dinosaur to pass the first measured distance.

To make the test fair we  wound the dinosaur the same number of times and used a piece of paper so that blocks and track were in the same place each time. This meant that the slope would be the same each time.