Slippery Slope

Episode    35                                                                Planet: Technology

Learning concept of the episode: We can use sticky or rough substances to increase friction and make it easier to stand on a slippery surface.

Story Summary

When Bing and Bong arrive, three Flockers are stranded on a ramp near the edge of a slippery area and a polishing robot is hard at work, buffing the surface. Bong shoots off across the smooth floor, but winds up running on the spot, slipping and sliding. Bing makes a move to collect Bong but when Bing steps onto the surface, the same predicament befalls Bing. By experimenting with some glue and pieces of carpet, Bing creates a solution that enables everyone to walk across the shiny surface.

Focus Early Learning Goal

Creative Development 5: Express and communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings by using a widening range of materials, suitable tools, imaginative and role play, movement, designing and making and a variety of songs and musical instruments.

Linked ELGs

CLL11, CLL17, CLL19, KU4, KU9

Preparation

• Watch the Tiny Planets episode
• Talk about what Bing and Bong did in the story

Talk about…..

• What happened to Bing and Bong?
• When do we find it difficult to walk without slipping e.g. ice?
• How did Bing help?

Focus Activity

 Slope experiment

Follow-on Activities

• Look at different textures - feel and discuss. Sort into rough and smooth
• Make a sensory area, using different textures to touch and attach them to the wall

Slope experiment

Aim

For the children to predict whether different items will roll or slip down a slope using various textures

Resources

• A slope/ramp made from a cardboard box or pre-made wooden ramp.
• Various textured materials e.g. a carpet tile, fur, plastic, rubber etc
• Items to roll or slide e.g. a toy car, a small ball, a plastic ruler

Guidelines

• Attach the various materials to the ramp either one at a time or if big enough alongside each other.
• Let the children predict whether they think the item will reach the bottom.
• Record these predictions (optional)
• Let the children test the items on each material.
• Record the findings (optional)

Key Vocabulary

Rough, smooth, shiny, slip, slide, roll, slope

Health & Safety

Ensure that materials used are suitable for the children’s use and are non toxic.