Category: Homegrown STEAM Initiative

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STEAMwhiz @Home: Cereal Box Ramp Challenge

Doing “real science” doesn’t have to be boring or hard. Using inquiry-based project learning creates connections and understanding of abstract concepts. Challenge your leaner to build a ‘Cereal Ramp Energy System’; explore types of energy, laws of physics, and various forces, as well as recycle materials…Woo-hoo! If you have any questions or need a little help, don’t hesitate to message us on fb.com/STEAMwhizNY or STEAMwhiz.com

Materials

  1. Empty cardboard boxes
  2. Toy cars
  3. Tape
  4. Ruler / Measuring tape
  5. Marker
  6. Scissors

Let’s get building

Find some empty boxes. Cereal type boxes are great as they are easy to cut and work with.
Cut open one side of the box, starting at the open end.
On the side of the box measure the ramp height. We suggest around 5 – 20 centimeters.
Cut the box along the measured height.
Open up the box and you have a great ramp! Make more than one at different heights for the kids to explore with.

Questions

This is a great place to begin discussing potential and kinetic energy and forces such as gravity and friction.
The different ramp heights will be the variable in the experiment for them to explore.

Let them be creative!

Finally let them have fun! Give them lots of materials and let them have at it!