For my guided inquiry, I chose to answer the question "What is the effect of large objects colliding with smaller objects?".
When determining the methods for this investigation, I first decided to roll the marbles on a smooth surface. My first thought was to use the larger marble to roll it into the stationary and smaller marble. This resulted in both marbles moving in the same direction; however, the smaller marble continued to roll faster and farther than the larger marble. I tried the experiment five times with the same result. I then rolled the smaller marble into the larger, stationary marble. This result had a more visible effect than the other way. When the smaller marble struck the larger marble, the smaller marble stopped and the larger marble rolled farther away. Once again, this was repeated five times with the same effect. As an afterthought, I decided to see what would happen if both objects were moving when they struck each other. This time, the larger marble stopped very quickly and the smaller marble moved very fast in the same direction the larger marble was initially moving.
When using marbles, I also discovered that the direction the marbles moved in partly depended upon the angle in which it was struck. As a conclusion, the round surface area of the marbles and the force upon which the marbles are rolled will have a direct effect on the results when they hit at an angle to each other as opposed to straight on. It is also very difficult to roll two marbles, each toward the other, and have them strike in a straight line. To improve the challenges, I would recommend performing the experiment enclosed in box tops so the marbles will not be going all over the room. I think that the students should find that happens on their own and then prompted to solve that part of the challenge. Some students will fire the marbles way too hard and someone could get hurt. Students will have to wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety glasses, and be reminded to roll the marbles gently.
In addition to trying to roll a marble in a straight line, I faced other challenges. One of those challenges was that the marbles rolled super fast on the vinyl floor in the kitchen even when rolled softly. It happened so fast, it was difficult to record the results. Therefore, I attempted the same experiment on the carpeted floor and it slowed the marbles down some so I could better see the outcomes.
I would like for my students to reflect upon their methods and conclusions and write about a real world example. In this writing, I would like them to apply what they have learned about Newton's Law and what impact it has on their daily lives. I think it would be more beneficial to the student to come up with their own real world example rather than having me give them examples. When students reflect upon an investigation and consider real world examples, they will come up with examples that have specific meaning to them. Therefore, this increases their engagement and learning as well as the retention of the knowledge gained from the investigation.
