Rolling Along in Centimeters

		Daily Practice and Problems	Lesson	Homework	Assessment
Student Book	Student Activity Book	200 Chart Reference	Rolling Along in Centimeters Pages 209–213 John's Data Pages 215–219 200 Chart Reference Math Practices Reference		Rolling Along in Centimeters Check-In: Questions 6 Page 211 John's Data Check-In: Questions 3–10 Pages 216–219
Teacher Resources	Teacher Guide - digital	DPP Item M DPP Item N DPP Item O DPP Item P DPP Item Q DPP Item R DPP Item S DPP Item T		Home Practice Parts 5–6 Rolling Cars Make It True	DPP Item M Addition Facts Quiz: Group E

Supplies for Students

crayon or colored pencil

Supplies for Student Groups

2 metersticks
ramp (board that can be used as an inclined plane)
4 blocks or books to elevate each ramp
4 toy vehicles
masking tape or small self-adhesive notes

Materials for the Teacher

Display of data table in the Rolling Along in Centimeters (Student Activity Book) Page 210
Display of graph in the Rolling Along in Centimeters (Student Activity Book) Page 211
Display of first page of John's Data (Student Activity Book) Page 215
Display of Math Practices (Student Activity Book) Reference
Display of John's Data Feedback Boxes (Student Activity Book) Pages 218–219
Unit 4 Assessment Record
Unit 4 Individual Assessment Records
Math Facts Class Record
chart paper

Materials Preparation

Gather a Collection of Cars. Have each student bring one toy car to school prior to the lab. To avoid disappointment, tell students to refrain from bringing very small cars. Cars larger than 3 inches are most suitable, as smaller cars often do not roll well for the required distance. Tell students cars will be tested to be sure they are "good rollers." Cars should be tested prior to beginning the lab, as they should roll straight for at least 50 centimeters beyond the bottom of the ramp. You may want to have extra cars on hand for students whose vehicles don't fit the criteria. Have students put their names on their cars so they can be returned at the end of the investigation.

Prepare One Ramp for Each Student Group. Gather a minimum of one ramp of at least 20 inches in length and 3–5 blocks or books to elevate the ramp for each group of four students as shown in Figure 1. A level ramp surface without cracks or bumps is required. Metal bookshelves or ¼-inch plywood work well. Determine an appropriate height for the ramps based on the cars you will use. This will require some experimenting prior to the lab. Mark a starting line near the top of each ramp with a piece of masking tape. Adjust the height and starting line by using blocks or books so that cars roll at least 50, but not farther than 200, centimeters beyond the end of the ramp. Make sure the incline is not too steep. If the cars roll too far, the measurements will be difficult for students to graph.

Figure 1: Preparing ramps

Identify an Appropriate Space. Identify an area where teams of students can set up their ramps. A level surface without cracks or bumps is required. If you have space constraints, make arrangements for students to have access to an area in the hallway, the gym, or an outside space for setting up ramps and conducting the investigation.