Scientific Inquiry

I designed an inquiry based experiment around the the question which referred to the effect that large objects have when colliding with smaller objects. I used a small and large marble as part of my experiment. The results of my experiment provided examples of Newtons first and second laws of motion. When carrying out my experiment, I discovered that the large marble hit the small marble and continued to roll a distance of five feet before stopping. This insight was contrary to my predicted results. Originally I hypothesized that the large marble would hit the small marble and stop without traveling any distance. The small marble continued to roll a distance of twenty feet after impact until it collided with the wall of the classroom.
The experiment went well. I learned a lot form the experience particularly when my hypothesis was rejected. I would modify the assignment by repeating the experiment on different surfaces other than carpet. I would then compare the data and draw conclusions form the results.
I would like to use this activity in my classroom. As an extension we would connect to the real-world experiences of skiing and snowboarding. We take a ski trip each winter. We would connect our in -class discussion of mass, velocity, force and acceleration to our winter sports experiences.
One of the most important things I would like my students to learn from this experience is to understand the laws of motion and how to recognize examples of Newton' s laws in our everyday lives.