Ask students to record observations. Provide lots of shoes with different tread patterns. Ask the students to try on the shoes and try on different surfaces such as tile and carpet. Ask them to predict and record which surfaces are the easiest or hardest to walk with and which had the best or least traction. Ask them to be able to justify answers.
Demonstrate paint can with marbles on the lid.
Use book on top to rotate the book around the paint can. Use different amounts of marbles to experiment which moves easier. Ask students to predict and discuss results. Look up on Internet, World Book on computer, or other reference sources information on friction. To connect with language arts, allow students to write experiences in a journal or some other form of written communication.