SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Lesson 5

PHYSICAL SCIENCES – SCIENTIFIC METHOD

LESSON 5.   Variable Based Triangle  

Objective: Collecting data using a variable-based triangle.

Materials:
            60 lb paper (cardstock)

            brads
            hole puncher
            protractor

            ruler
            angle/linear ruler       

Teacher Notes:

This lab attempts to get students to work with a simple design to show the students how changing one attribute like angle or distance can create a different shape.   Design of products whether a bridge or a toy, require exact measurements or else they will not work.  

If you have building sets like Lego or Meccano you may want to substitute or add to this lab.  Students need to “engineer” design and the only way they can do that is through models.  There are many other “toys” on the market that incorporate building techniques that could easily be used.

The second part of the exercise is for the students to design a product.  Let them use rulers, protractors, and the Angle/Linear Ruler.

ANSWER:

The angles are written below.  Use as a guideline.  Notice that between 22 cm and 10 cm, there is a set angle change… but not before or after