Backyard Adventure STEM Project: Building a Zip Line
Teddy Zip Line Friction Experiment: A Fun and Educational STEM Challenge
Are you ready for a fun and engaging science experiment that combines the thrill of a zip line with the fundamental concepts of friction and motion? Let's create a teddy zip line friction experiment!
Materials Needed - A small teddy bear - String, wire, or a smooth rod for the zip line - A stand or support to hold the zip line - Different surface coverings for the zip line (e.g., smooth plastic, fabric, rough tape) - Ruler or measuring tape - Protractor or angle measurer - Stopwatch - Additional weights (small bags or coins) to vary the teddy bear’s weight
Set-up Securely fix the zip line between two points, with one end higher than the other to create a slope. Attach the teddy bear so it can slide along the zip line.
Variables - Independent variables: Surface texture covering the zip line (friction factor), teddy bear’s weight, slope angle - Dependent variable: Time taken for the teddy bear to travel from top to bottom or its speed - Controlled variables: Length of the zip line, environmental conditions
Procedure 1. Start with a fixed zip line length and angle. 2. Cover the zip line with one type of surface. 3. Place the teddy bear at the top and release it without pushing. 4. Use the stopwatch to measure the time it takes to reach the bottom. 5. Repeat several times for accuracy and calculate an average time. 6. Change the surface covering to a rougher or different texture and repeat. 7. Next, vary the teddy bear's weight by adding small weights and repeat the test. 8. Finally, adjust the angle of the zip line and repeat for one or more surface types.
Data Collection and Analysis - Record times and calculate speeds (distance/time). - Compare how changing the surface texture affects the speed of the teddy bear. - Analyse how weight influences frictional effects and speed. - Study the effect of slope on overcoming friction.
Conclusion Summarise how friction (affected by surface material and weight) influences the motion on the zip line. Discuss the role of slope in overcoming friction.
This experiment is an excellent way to explore friction, force, motion, and variables control within a mini STEM challenge framework. Adjustments can be made depending on available materials and desired complexity.
Emma Vanstone last updated the article on July 9, 2025.
Potential variables for the zip line experiment include the type of zip wire and the incline of the zip wire. Experimenting with different variables, such as the type of harness, can affect the speed of the teddy's descent.
The zip line is adaptable to children of various ages and abilities, making it an enjoyable activity both outdoors and indoors. Friction plays a significant role in the speed of the teddy's descent on the zip line.
Watching the children work on the zip line made the speaker smile. This activity can help children learn about correct experimental methods while having fun. Friction experiments can be a fun and educational activity for children.
Multiple zip lines can be set up in a row for racing, or the zip line can be used as an imaginative game by a 4-year-old child. A 7-year-old child can time the descent and find the fastest combination.
For those interested in space-themed science experiments, "This Is Rocket Science" offers 69 more experiments. Smooth wire results in a faster descent compared to rough string due to less friction, and a pipe cleaner and straw harness combination results in a faster descent compared to pipe cleaner alone due to reduced friction.
Happy experimenting!
- This teddy zip line friction experiment is a fun and engaging STEM challenge that combines the excitement of a zip line with the fundamental concepts of friction and motion.
- Children can enjoy this activity both indoors and outdoors, as the zip line is adaptable to various ages and abilities.
- By changing the surface covering on the zip line, children can explore how friction impacts the speed of the teddy's descent.
- This hands-on experiment provides opportunities for children to learn about correct experimental methods while having fun with stem education.
- The zip line's potential variables include the type of zip wire and the incline of the zip wire, offering opportunities for experimentation and learning beyond the initial setup.
- For additional space-themed science experiments, consider the book "This Is Rocket Science," which offers 69 more experiments.
- Happy experimenting, and remember that friction experiments, like this teddy zip line challenge, are a great way to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning in a fun and interactive manner at home or in the garden.
