Mrs. Wright's 7th Grade Science Class ~ Where Science is Fun!!

Vernier Probe Lab: Velocity

Students investigated the effects of distance on velocity using the Vernier LabQuest. The Vernier LabQuest is a hand held computer that gathers data from various probes that can be connected to it. Using the motion sensor probe, the students gathered and recorded the velocities of a car released from different distances on an inclined plane.
 

Once students did several trials they used their math skills to calculate the average velocities.  Students then had to create a graph and plot the data on the graph.  There were several "high fives" around the classroom as students began to visually see the relationship between distance and velocity.  I added an extension to this lab. I had the students calculate the momentum of the car by finding the mass of the car (using the triple-beam balance) and plugging that into the equation : p=mV. 
 
Required skills and standards:    
  • technology
  • inquiry
  • velocity
  • speed
  • distance
  • momentum
  • metric system
  • triple beam balance
  • data collection
  • interpreting data
  • graphing