echoesof.science · Ages 6–7
Grippy or slippy?
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echoesof.science/school/friction/ages-6-7/
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When two things rub or slide against each other, there is a force that works against the sliding. It is called friction.
Friction slows moving things down. It can also stop things from starting to slide.
Even things that look smooth have tiny bumps on them. When two things rub, the tiny bumps catch on each other.
Friction is useful! It lets your shoes grip the ground so you can walk without slipping. Shoes for running, climbing and skating all have different soles.
Experiment: Toy car on different floors
- Make a low ramp with a board and a few books.
- Let the car roll down the ramp onto the smooth floor. Do not push it! Mark where it stops.
- Put the towel at the bottom of the ramp and let the car roll again from the same place.
- Try the carpet and the foil too, always from the same place on the ramp.
- On which surface did the car go furthest? On which did it stop quickest?
| Surface | How far did the car go? (hand spans) |
|---|---|
| Smooth floor | |
| Towel | |
| Carpet | |
| Foil |
Questions
Draw a shoe sole that would grip well. Why did you choose that pattern?
🍎Is ice grippy or slippy?
grippy / slippy
On which surface did the car stop quickest? Why?
Sources for every fact on this sheet: echoesof.science/school/friction/sources/