Kindergarten Science- Friction

Friction is next on our list of kindergarten science topics (relating to motion/movement) to study. Friction works against movement. We talked about how sometimes we want friction and sometimes we don't. And different ways we can add friction or lessen it. Here are the books we chose to help us cover this topic.

  

Once we went through the books, we wanted to do a couple of experiments.

The first one we attempted was to discover how different substances can add friction or lessen it. For this activity you will need:

- a marble

- an ice cube

-baby powder

- baby oil

-and a paper towel

 

I did the activity on a cookie sheet, but it could easily be done on a counter top or floor. Now, back to the experiment. Having the child use their thumb and pointer finger, have them pick up the marble. Now the ice cube. Which was easiest? This time, have them dip their fingers in baby powder (making sure to get a good coat on their fingers). Pick up the objects again (at this point, I discovered it would work MUCH better to make sure your ice cube is fresh, not slightly melted and wet). Was it easier this time or not? Use the paper towel to clean fingers. Now, dip fingers in baby oil. Pick up the objects again. Easier or harder?

   

I have J record all her findings in her science journal. She draws a picture of what we did/what happened, and I have her tell me a simple sentence explaining the results. Here's her entry from this experiment-

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For our next experiment involving force, you will need

-a small empty box

-a rubber band

-rocks

-pencils (maybe 8-10)

Attach the rubber band to the short side of the box. I poked a small hole in the side, slipped the rubber band through and put a paper clip on the inside of the box to keep the rubber band from coming back through. The rubber band basically works as the handle.

Have your child pull the empty box (using the rubber band). Notice it pulls easily. Now load your box with rocks (it is NOT a problem at our house to find rocks, J is a rock 'collector' so we always have an abundance...lol!). Pull again. Does it move as easily as before?

 

Line your pencils on the floor about an inch apart. Place the box on top of them. Pull again. How does this affect the way the box moves?

The difference is caused by the rollers (pencils) that are reducing the friction between the box and the rug. This experiment could also be used to help explain rollers as a simple machines.

Here is J's entry in her journal from this activity-

Hope you've enjoy this kindergarten science topic!!

Next up in this series, RAMPS!