How to Create a Ramp and Rolling Experiment

Learn how to build a simple ramp and test how different objects roll down it in this fun physics experiment. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Set up your ramp. Place one end of your board or cardboard on top of your stack of books. Make sure the other end is resting firmly on the floor. Use a piece of masking tape to secure the top of the ramp to the books so it doesn't slide away.
2. Create a starting line. Use a small piece of tape at the very top of your ramp to mark where every object must start. This makes your experiment fair so you can compare speeds accurately.
3. Test your first object. Place your first object at the starting line. When you are ready, let go without pushing it. Start your timer the moment you let go and stop it the moment the object hits the floor.
4. Record and repeat. Write down how long it took for the object to reach the floor. Repeat this for all your different items. Try rolling them one by one to see which one is the speed champion!