Snow Travel Experiment
Learning Objectives/Lesson GoalsStudents will explore/experiment with different modes of transporting materials/goods across a terrain similar to that of Antarctica. Intended learning outcomes are that students can compare and contrast the equipment/styles of transporting goods and determine the most effective combinations.
WHEREThis activity will be conducted in the back part of my classroom, on a large table. Students will work in 3’s and each group will have a set of materials to test the mechanisms.
WHOClassroom Volunteers
MATERIALS
  • Baking Soda

  • White Conditioner

  • Craft Sticks

  • Toy Car

  • Large Rocks

  • String

  • Trays

  • Recording Sheet in Oceans 411 Book

  • Pencils


ACTIVITIES
  1. Introduction to the Activity: Explain to students the premise of the experiment:
    During the Heroic Age, many explorers struggled with effectively carrying equipment and supplies across Antarctica. Even modern transportation at the time was inadequate when faced with extreme cold, uneven landscape and sinking snow. In the race to the South Pole, Amundsen and Scott used different methods of transportation. You are going to explore different ways that explorers moved materials and then will decide which method was the most effective. With each experiment consider the following:
    • How did the weight of the rock affect the snow? Consider weight to surface area distribution and observe the tracks on the snow.

    • What is the power source for this method (engine, animal, human)?

    • What is required to maintain the power source (food, gas, temperature)?

    • What areas of friction (resistance) were encountered when trying to move the load?

    • How much additional force (effort) was required to transport the weight over uneven surfaces?

    • Record the results of each experiment on the included recording sheet. Decide which method of transportation is most effective.

  2. Experiment #1 (Wheels)- Have students tie a string around a toy car. Next, place a rock on top of the car and pull across the snow. After, students record their findings on their recording sheet in their Oceans 411 Book.

  3. Experiment #2 (Sled/Skies)- Have students tie a string around the craft stick. Next, place a rock on top of the wood and pull across the snow. Record findings in journal.

  4. Experiment #3 (Pulling)-Have students tie a string around the rock and pull across the snow. Record findings in journal.

  5. Experiment #4 (Carrying)-Have students hold a rock in their hand. Using their pointer and index finger, walk across snow. Record findings in journal.