Free Fall Part 2 - History of STEM practicals - The Slow Roll

Practical 21 in the History in STEM practical series.

This practical, “The Slow Roll” takes a look at two classic experiments completed by Galileo in order to “prove” that a falling object does in fact accelerate when it falls. The most difficult object to get will be a ramp long enough for the test, however, I have used cardboard shipping tubes (for posters and the like) in the past to great success.

This practical is also great because it gives the students another way to measure time, getting them to think outside the box of what can be used to take measurements and even to get accurate results. This is a practical they will be sure to remember.

More about the History in STEM practical Series

This series is designed to bring quality cross-curricula material to STEM subjects, that help students to explore and discover phenomena normally taught, while getting a glimpse into the history of its development.

In addition, a number of the practicals give the students the opportunity to play “Mythbusters”, looking at a number of different methods and having to reason why one or the other was the more likely or useful method.

From Ancient Greece to Vikings, China to the Golden age of the Muslim empire and beyond to India, the series takes a look at some of the most important STEM achievements throughout history.

There is a plan for 40 of these such practicals in this series, so, if you liked this one, consider looking at some of the others, or check out some of the bundles available.