Riding the Wind: Lesson Plan

Learn how to classify frictional forces into one of four types: static, sliding, rolling and fluid. Then watch the NC Science Now video Riding the Wind and identify friction examples in the video.

UNC-TV Media

Video: 
Riding the Wind
Reporter's Blog: 
Drafting the Peloton

Alignment to NC Essential Standards

  • NCES.PSc.1.2.2 — Classify frictional forces into one of four types: static, sliding, rolling and fluid.

Learning Outcomes

Time Allotment Needed: 2 days (block schedule)

  • Students will learn how to classify frictional forces into one of four types: static, sliding, rolling and fluid. 
  • Students will evaluate a bicycle and rider and classify the frictional forces acting on both the bicycle and rider.

Essential Questions

  1. What is friction?
  2. What is static friction?
  3. What is sliding friction?
  4. What is rolling friction?
  5. What is fluid friction?

Essential Vocabulary

  • Friction 
  • Static friction 
  • Sliding friction 
  • Rolling friction
  • Fluid friction

Engage

Students will watch the video “What is Friction” to get an overview of what friction is.

Explore

Students will work independently to gather information about the four types of friction. The websites below are some possible resources where students can find information. Students might find additional websites during their search. Remind students to check and see if a web page has multiple pages. Some of the websites below are multipage.

Explain

After exploring information about the four types of friction, students will work in pairs to answer the following questions. If needed, students can review the websites above or other websites to clarify any concepts that they do not understand.

  1. What is friction? 
  2. What is static friction and what is an example? 
  3. What is sliding friction and what is an example? 
  4. What is rolling friction and what is an example? 
  5. What is fluid friction and what is an example?

Extend

Students will view the NC Science Now video Riding the Wind. As students watch the video, they should identify examples of the four types of friction.

Evaluate

Students will complete an investigation about Friction. Have students complete the conclusion/evaluation questions at the conclusion of the activity.