Ramp and Roll Speed Experiment

A large book or flat piece of cardboard for the ramp

Blocks or a cushion to prop the ramp up

5-6 rollable objects: tennis ball, toy car, wooden ball, orange, toilet paper roll

Tape for a finish line

Prop the cardboard against blocks or a cushion to make a ramp.

Set a finish line at the bottom with tape.

Hold up the first object: "Will this be fast or slow? Let's see!"

Release it at the top (no pushing!) and watch it roll.

Test each object. Compare: "Was that faster or slower than the tennis ball?"

Change the ramp height: "What happens if we make it steeper?"

Race two objects side by side for extra excitement.

Let your child be the one to release objects. Ownership of the experiment increases engagement.

Ask "Why do you think that one was faster?" even if they can't articulate the answer. The question itself builds scientific thinking.

Try surfaces: does the ball roll differently on carpet vs. hardwood? On grass vs. sidewalk?

Add obstacles on the ramp — a block in the path, a bumpy towel — and observe how they change the roll.

For younger kids (2-3), keep it simple: just fast vs. slow. For older kids (3-4), try ranking fastest to slowest.