Down the Ramp to the Finish Line

In groups, children lean a board on blocks to make a ramp and release balls so they roll right up to a rope finish line, not short and not past it. They try high and low ramps and discover how far the ball rolls each time.

How to play

1. In groups of five, we build a ramp with a board and two blocks and set the rope finish line in front (3 min).
2. We let the ball go from the top without pushing and watch where it stops (3 min).
3. We change the height: one block or three. Does it stop short or roll past? (4 min).
4. We find the height that makes the ball stop right on the finish line and show another group (3 min).
5. We take the ramps apart together and put away the blocks and balls (2 min).

Rules

• I let go of the ball, I don't push it.
• Everyone releases once and passes the ball on.
• We wait for the ball to stop before we go get it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rest the ramp on their chair or a table so they release the ball from there.
• Visual impairment: use balls with bells and a thick rope finish line they can feel.
• Autism: give them a set job in the group, like placing the blocks, shown with pictures.

Learning goals

• Discover how height affects distance.
• Set a simple goal and check it.
• Work together in a small group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• boards or stiff cardboard: 4
• medium balls: 12
• ropes: 4
• foam blocks: 8

Teacher tip

Line the ramps up side by side, all facing the same way. Smooth floors work best. Ask a lot and explain little: "What if we add another block?"

More main activities for Elementary