Lakeshore AA898 Roll and Race Activity Ramp User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- LAKESHORE
Table of Contents
Lakeshore AA898 Roll and Race Activity Ramp
ICl2019 Lakeshore
• 800-428-4414
• www.lakeshorelearning.com
Develops Skills In
- Exploring motion, friction, and angles
- Understanding cause & effect
What’s Included
- Wooden ramp
- 6 textured plastic paths
About the Ramp
Here’s a simple, exciting way to introduce young children to STEM concepts-
from friction and motion to cause & effect.
The two-lane ramp comes with six interchangeable, textured paths.
As children roll objects down the paths, they analyze the motion of objects
and explore how different textures affect speed and momentum.
Using the Ramp
Introduce the ramp and six textured paths to children. Ask children what is different about the paths, guiding them to notice that each has a different texture.
- Show children how to secure the paths to the ramp. Simply fit the pegs on the back of each path into the holes at the top of the ramp. This will keep the paths in place during use.
- Choose two objects to roll down the ramp. You can use two identical objects, such as two play vehicles, or two different objects, such as a vehicle and ball. Invite children to predict which object will roll down its path faster.
- Test children’s predictions. If you used two different objects, try rolling two of the same objects next time. Compare the results.
Talk About It
As children use the ramp, ask questions such as the following to engage their critical thinking:
- Which textured path do you think will slow objects down? Why?
- Which items in our classroom do you think could roll faster than a car?
- How far do you think the car will roll? Let’s try measuring the distance with a ruler!
Build On Their Learning
Prediction Chart
Select several classroom objects to roll down the ramp. As a class, make a
chart to predict which objects will roll the fastest and slowest, as well as
which paths will provide the fastest and slowest rolling surfaces. (See the
example chart on page 4 of this guide.) Allow children to work independently
or in small groups to test the objects and note their findings. Tally the
results and record them in the “Results” column of the chart. Test children’s
findings as a class to confirm the results.
| Predictions| Results
---|---|---
Fastest Object| vehicle|
Slowest Object| building log|
Fastest Path| purple wavy|
Slowest Path| green bumpy|
Going the Distance
Place a long ruler or tape measure on the floor, beginning at the bottom of
the ramp. Ask children to find classroom objects they think will roll far.
Have children roll the objects down the ramp to discover which will roll the
farthest. Record each distance as you go. As a class, compare the distances
and talk about the results.