On a Roll In this task you will be determining how changing the height (H) and length (L) of a ramp affects the time (T) it takes a ball to roll down the ramp.

For experiment 1, you will fix the height of the ramp first at 0.25 feet then at 0.5 feet and vary the length at which the ball starts.

For experiment 2, you will fix the length of the ramp first at 4 feet then at 8 feet and vary the height at which the ball starts.

Your Task:

1. Record the data for each experiment on the data tables provided. (Practice timing in order to get good data)

2. Use the graphs to plot the data for Experiment 1 and Experiment 2.

3. For each experiment, write a sentence that describes the relationship between the two variables underneath the graph.

Data Tables:

Experiment 1: Ramp height fixed at 0.25 and 0.5 feet

Ramp Length (ft) 3 4 5 6 7 8

Roll Time 0.25’ height (sec)

Roll Time 0.5’ height (sec)

Experiment 2: Ramp length fixed at 4 feet and 8 feet

Ramp Height (ft) 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.25 1.5

Roll Time 4 feet (sec)

Roll Time 8 feet (sec)

Experiment 1: Ramp Length vs. Roll Time Experiment 2: Ramp Height vs. Roll Time

1) Observations

Observe the results from “On a Roll” for Experiment 1 and Experiment 2.

Were there any surprises? Try to explain why the results make sense.

2) Analysis

a) Examine the data patterns from Experiment 1. For each platform height, describe the relationship between roll time and ramp length. Use the following sentence to fill in the blanks.

● For any fixed platform height, as ramp length increases, the roll time at a rate.

b) Examine the data patterns from Experiment 2. For a fixed ramp length, describe the relationship between roll time and platform height.

● For any fixed ramp length, as platform height increases, the roll time at a rate.