Students then paraphrase articles about either Mars or Mercury. Discuss characteristics of the two planets, concentrating on surface features. Students work in pairs to construct deck chairs. Students bring to class pictures that illustrate concepts discussed in the lesson. Students construct their own vehicles to go down a ramp, quickly.
Students modify their vehicles to increase speed.
They measure distances for each of four runs on the ramp. Discuss factors which contribute to the vehicle's speed, or lack of it. Students predict what will happen when the ramp is lowered. Students race cars on lowered ramp, and note differences. Teach terms and uses of gears.