All lessons › Pushes, pulls and falls › Lesson 3
Australian primary science · Years 3–4 · Lesson 3 of 3
Ramp racers
Inquiry question: What changes how far a toy car rolls?
Marked no materials needed
Fair testing
What students learn
Gravity makes a car roll down a ramp. A higher ramp makes it roll further; a rough surface (more friction) makes it stop sooner.
Success criteria
- I can change one thing and keep the rest the same.
- I can repeat a test three times.
- I can explain the result using gravity or friction.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know gravity pulls things down (lesson 2).
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Forces & energy › Lab › Ramp racer on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs choose to change ramp height or surface.
- Keep everything else the same and predict.
- Roll each car three times and record each distance.
- Test the other variable.
Teacher modelling prompt
On the big screen set two ramps the same except height, and tap the class prediction (it unlocks the roll button). Think aloud: “Only height changes. I’ll roll each three times, because one roll could be a fluke.”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: What changes how far a toy car rolls?
| What we changed | Ramp (A or B) and its setting | Roll 1 (cm) | Roll 2 (cm) | Roll 3 (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Whose reason uses a force?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What is friction?
Explain with evidence: Why did we roll each car three times?
Apply the idea: Why do playground slides have smooth surfaces?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.