• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Ramps, gradients and friction

    Ramps, gradients and friction

    June 9, 2015 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Today’s activity is all about ramps, gradients and friction. We’re going to investigate how the distance travelled by a toy car is affected by the gradient of the slope and the surface of the ramp.

    You’ll need

    A ramp – we used a shop bought ramp set, but you could make your own with cardboard or wood and a stack of blocks or books.

    Carpet or another rough surface.

    Cars – LEGO or DUPLO work well.

    Chalk

    Tape measure

    ramp with two DUPLO cars at the top ready to race down for a gradient and friction investigation

    Things to think about

    We’re investigating two different things in this activity, so we need to be very careful to only test one at a time and keep the other variables constant.

    Do not push the car, just let it go without any force behind it.

    Method

    How does gradient affect distance travelled?

    Variables to keep constant

    Use the same car and the same ramp.

    Record the distance travelled using chalk by the car for three different gradients, what do you notice?

    DUPLO cars at the top of a ramp covered in carpet for a friction investigation

    How does the surface of the ramp affect distance travelled?

    Keep the car and gradient constant this time, but record the distance travelled using a smooth and rough surface on your ramp. What do you notice?

    The rough surface could be bubble wrap, carpet or a large sheet of felt.

    Friction ramp

    Gathering data

    We repeated each test 3 times and found the average distance travelled by the cars then recorded the data in a table.

     Results

    Our cars travelled further if the gradient was steeper, this is because a steeper gradient allows the car to pick up more speed.

    The cars travelled less far when we used the carpet surface than when we used the smooth surface. This is because there is more friction between the car and the carpet than between the car and the smooth surface.

    For younger children

    Try pushing the car and comparing it with the distance travelled if the car is not pushed. Does the extra force make a difference?

    Extension Activities

    Is there a point where a steeper gradient makes the distance travelled smaller?

    What happens if you change the surface at the bottom of the ramp?

    What happens if you make the cars heavier?

    Suitable for Key Stage 2

    Forces and Magnets

    Compare how things move on different surfaces

    Working Scientifically

    Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « Win a Fossil Hunter Lottie and Superhero Outfit
    A bridge for The Gingerbread Man »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd