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Physical science · Grades 6–8

Cart Mass and Motion

How does added mass affect a cart's motion when the same pull is used?

The lesson

What students do

A delivery cart must start moving with the same pull at different loads. Compare the distance it travels in one second.

  1. Attach a rubber band to the cart and stretch it to the same mark.
  2. Release the cart without pushing it.
  3. Measure how far it travels in one second and repeat three times.
  4. Add equal masses to the cart and run the same test.

For teachers

Standards connections

This short investigation supports parts of these standards. It does not cover the full standard by itself.

MS-PS2-2Plan a test of how changing mass relates to an object's motion.

PracticePlan an investigation and analyze results.

Big ideaCause and effect

Included results

Where the results came from

Classroom model results included with ConductClass

These are model results, not calibrated motion-lab measurements.

Science source: NGSS Middle School Forces and Interactions

Included

Ready for one class period.

Student instructions Included results Chart choices and calculations Teacher notes and review guide

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