Descriptive text: This lesson plan gives a real hands on opportunity for your students to see how an inclined plane makes work easier.
HOW CAN AN INCLINED PLANE MAKE WORK EASIER?
MATERIALS NEEDED: NYLON CORD
SPRING SCALE RULER
WOOD STRIP
5 BOOKS
PROCEDURE:
1. Place 2 of the books on top of each other, on a table or desk.
2. Rest one end of the wood strip against the 2 books and the other end on the table to form an inclined plane.
3. Tie the remaining 3 books together with the nylon cord and place them on the table at the bottom of the inclined plane.
4.Hook the spring scale to the cord around the books and pull the books up the inclined plane. Note the weight of the books as they are pulled up the inclined plane by reading the weight on the scale.
5. This time, weigh the books by lifting them vertically into the air with the spring scale. Note the weight on the spring scale.
ASK YOURSELF
1. What was the weight of the books when they were pulled up the ramp?
2. What was the weight of the books when they were lifted vertically into the air.
3. Was it easier to lift the books when they were pulled up the ramp or lifted into the air?