Lesson 14 — Fair Test: Friction and Surfaces 1 / 4

Today we investigate friction — the force that slows things down when surfaces rub together. 🛼

Step 1: Friction is a contact force. The rougher the surface, the more friction — so things stop sooner.

smooth → rolls far rough → stops sooner

Step 2: Our question — does the surface change how far a ball rolls? To be fair, change only ONE thing.

Change: the surface. Measure: how far the ball travels. Keep the same: the ball, the push, the starting point.

Your turn, scientists! 🔬

  1. Write your question and prediction.
  2. Roll the ball on different surfaces and measure how far it travels.
  3. Record your results and draw a column graph.
  4. Use the Friction Investigation worksheet and the Fair Test Template.