For an added challenge, I allow the students to create an experiment involving bubble gum and give them the opportunity to investigate. During this lab, students investigate the motion of toy cars. They may use Hot Wheel cars, wind-up cars, or remote control vehicles. As the car passes each point, the students should record the time in their data charts. Once the three trials are complete, we head back to the classroom and use the data collected to analyze the speed of the vehicle between various points and overall speed.
Students use the data to create graphs and analyze the reliability of their experiment.
The main challenges we face during this lab are keeping the car on the track, making sure it travels the complete distance, and making accurate time readings. These are points for discussion as we determine if our tests are reliable.