All lessons › Forces at play › Lesson 2
Australian primary science · Year 4 · Lesson 2 of 4
Ramp racers
Inquiry question: Does a higher ramp make a car roll further?
Check practical materials
Fair testing
What students learn
Gravity pulls a car down a ramp. A higher ramp gives the car more speed, so it rolls further. A fair test changes only one thing.
Success criteria
- I can change only the ramp height.
- I can measure how far the car rolls.
- I can describe the pattern in my results.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know forces change how things move (lesson 1).
- Stiff card or wooden ramps (about 60 cm) — 13
- Books to raise ramps — 39
- Toy cars — 13
- Tape measures or metre rulers — 13
Teacher setup
- Clear floor space for 13 ramps.
- Mark a start line on each ramp.
Safety and adaptations
- Keep the run-out area clear so no one trips.
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.
- Fill in the plan: change, measure, keep the same.
- Set the ramp to 1 book and let the car go (no push).
- Measure the distance; repeat 3 times.
- Repeat for 2 and 3 books.
- Describe the pattern.
Teacher modelling prompt
Model the plan: “We will change: ramp height (1, 2, 3 books). We will measure: distance from ramp end to where the car stops. We will keep the same: car, start line, floor, no pushing.”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: How does ramp height change how far a car rolls?
| Ramp height (books) | Trial 1 (cm) | Trial 2 (cm) | Trial 3 (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
What should we do with an odd result?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What force makes the car roll down the ramp?
Explain with evidence: Why did we keep the same car for every test?
Apply the idea: Will a ball roll further from a low hill or a high hill? Why?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.