Engaging in guided inquiry

What is the effect of large objects colliding with smaller objects?

For the lab, I used two sets of objects to collide into each other on a smooth surface.

• lightweight plastic car versus heavier plastic/metal Jeep
• large, blue marble versus small, purple marble

I was not sure if large meant size or mass, so I opted to try a set of objects using each. I first set up three trials using the car/Jeep items. The first collision, I did not put much force behind the collision and the two cars stopped once they collided. For the second and third collisions, I decided to put more force behind the cars. When the two cars collided, the lightweight plastic car, bounced backwards and to the side. It did this on both the second and third collisions.

For the marbles, I rolled them towards each other at a moderate speed. I again set up the investigation for three trials. For all three trials the same exact outcome occurred. The large, blue marble collided with the smaller, purple marble, sending the purple marble backwards and at an angle.

The results were what I expected. A larger object that collides with a smaller object would push the smaller object backwards. The greater the force, the greater the smaller object is forced back.

This would be an easy lab to set up for students to do in the class as a guided inquiry investigation. I think that students of varying levels could work together and come up with the end result. There were not any challenges in setting up the lab or conducting the lab.