Fascinating Friction!

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Author:

Abigail Watrous, Beth Myers, Denali Lander, Janet Yowell, Jessica Todd, Malinda Schaefer Zarske, Sara Born

Subject:

Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology

Institution Name:

University of Colorado at Boulder

Collection:

TeachEngineering

Grade Level:

Primary

Abstract:

In this activity, students use wood, wax paper and oil to investigate the importance of lubrication between materials and to understand the concept of friction. Using wax paper and oil placed between pieces of wood, the function of lubricants between materials is illustrated. Students extend their understanding of friction to bones and joints in the skeletal system and become aware of what engineers can do to help reduce friction in the human body as well as in machines.

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Conditions of Use:

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Resources may be used on a nonprofit, non-commercial basis by educators, without any fee or cost to access, link to and use, or in any manner alter, revise, copy, edit, translate or digitize.

Copyright Holder:

College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder