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In this outdoor activity, learners race small boats, made of cork, balsa wood, popsicle sticks etc., to investigate the rate and direction of currents in a stream or creek. Learners will examine what variables such as water volume, slope of the stream bed, and obstacles such as rocks determine the rate and direction of a stream's flow. To expand learners' investigations of stream life, this activity can be combined with the What Lives Here and Hold It! activities from the same source.
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Field Trip, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- boats made of small pieces of cork, twigs or light wood
- long, thin sticks
- 110-cm lengths of light monofilament fishing line
- large-headed pins or thumbtacks
- stopwatches or watches with second hand
- paper
- pencils
- waterproof marking pens
- flagging strips
- window screen material or mosquito netting
- tack, nails or staples
- observation trays
- meter stick
- 2 poles
- pieces of cork
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
-
Earth Structure
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Life Sciences
-
Ecology
- Biodiversity
-
Ecology
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
-
Measurement
- Rate
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Momentum and Velocity
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Games
- Nature and Environment
- Outdoor Activity
- Physical Activity
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1981