Dog Sled Friction Harness Vector STEM Lab (ICE02)

Bring forces, motion, and friction coefficients to life with the Dog Sled Friction Harness Vector STEM Lab (ICE02)! Designed for Middle School Physical Science, Physics, Earth Science, Math, and STEM classes, this 3-page, print-ready lab packet challenges students to engineer miniature dog sleds and evaluate how runner materials and harness tow angles affect pulling resistance.

What Is Included in This 3-Page Packet?

• 📋 Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan

  Features NGSS alignment (MS-PS2-1 Newton's Third Law, MS-PS2-2 Forces & Motion, MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design), key friction and force vector concepts, drag track setup instructions, expected student outcomes, spring scale tips, and a full teacher answer key.

• 🛷 Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint

  Hooks students with an Arctic supply delivery scenario inspired by real-world sled dog mushing. Includes material constraints (sled chassis, craft sticks, wax paper, aluminum foil, felt, string, weights, spring scale) and a dedicated schematic sketching zone to diagram runner surface friction and tow line tension force vectors.

• 📊 Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection

  Features a structured lab data table recording runner surface material, total sled mass, pulling force in Newtons, and sliding observations. Includes an applied math section to calculate the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction (pulling force divided by normal force), followed by reflection questions analyzing surface smoothness, harness tow line angles, and cargo weight limits.

Educational Value & Key Benefits:

• Hands-On Friction & Force Physics: Connects abstract physical science concepts like static vs. kinetic friction and normal force to real-world transport engineering.

• Integrates Applied Math & Decimal Ratios: Teaches students how to calculate coefficients of friction using Newton force measurements and ratio division.

• Low-Cost High-Engagement STEM: Uses accessible items like craft sticks, foil, wax paper, string, and spring scales for an exciting winter-themed physics lesson across Grades 6–8.