STEM Lesson: Motion – Speed vs. Time

Motion - Speed vs. Time 

STEM supplies: 

• MyStemKits kits: Gliders Kit 

• 3D printer 

Print small and large gliders in advance of the lesson 

Grade level: 8 

Objective: Students will design an investigation using their knowledge of motion such as Newton’s Laws of Motion. They are expected to record data on graphs. 

Time frame: Three class periods 

Supplies per group of 3-4 students 

• Choice of small and large gliders, with and without ailerons 

Supplies as requested by groups: 

• Meter sticks 

• Measuring tape 

• Plastic, wooden rulers 

• Rubber bands in a variety of sizes and differing strengths 

• Tin foil 

• Water 

Lesson description 

Students were grouped into teams of three or four and given a choice of gliders – small, large, with ailerons, without ailerons. The objective was for groups to design an experimental investigation using their knowledge of motion, including Newton’s Law of Motion. Teams had freedom regarding how they were to design and conduct the investigation, leaving it as open-ended as possible. As evidence, students were expected to create a graph showing time vs. distance as part of their data. 

Teams were creative in their testing choices. For example, one team tested the rubber bands used rather than the gliders. The team changed the thickness and size of rubber band in order to see if that mattered when launching the glider. 

Results: From a teacher’s point of view, I was so proud of the students and their inquiry and research process. I was impressed by the unique differences between how each team executed this experiment. Students were given a task with the freedom to choose how to accomplish it – their level of engagement was greatly increased. Overall, this was a fantastic project and an excellent learning experience for the students (and teacher)! 

To learn more about the Gliders Kit, including a free trial of the award-winning MyStemKits standards-aligned lessons, go to www.boxlight.com/mystemkits.