Things to think about
Things to think about Let children decide how to measure the distance each can has rolled. They might make accurate measurements or put down markers to compare distances. What is inside the can will affect how far it will roll. Normally, the more solid the food, the further the can rolls. Children might shake the cans to ‘listen’ to what is inside. The ones that they can ‘hear’ tend not to roll as far as the ones they cannot hear. It is useful to have other labelled cans of food available for children to roll to see if they fit the pattern. They can compare their ideas. You might open some cans. If they have chosen beans they may wish to heat and eat them. If they have chosen cat food, they won’t! Take it futher You can fill plastic bottles with water, freeze them (without the top) then see if there is a difference in how they roll as the water thaws (don’t forget to put the top back on!). Children can fill containers (large coffee tins or jars with lids are ideal) with different things e.g. sand (different amounts), syrup or cotton wool and see what happens. Keywords • Measuring • Testing • Distance • Acceleration • Weight • Density • Volume Watch out! Remind children not to leave cans lying on the floor for people to trip over. Use a safety can opener. Push the can lid well inside open cans and dispose of safely after use. Opening cans and heating food should be done by adults. Check the organisation’s policy. British Science Association Registered Charity No. 212479 and SC039236 14
Confusing Cans Activity Card It is lunchtime at Uncle Astro’s house. They are going to have beans on toast. It is Cosmic’s favourite. Uncle Astro opens the cupboard doors and suddenly, CRASH, all the cans roll out. Cat food, soup, baked beans, tinned tomatoes all over the floor, and the labels have fallen off. What a disaster! “How do we know which is the baked bean can?” asks Cosmic. “I don’t want cat food or soup on toast!” Gem picks up one of the cans. It has rolled much further than the others. Cosmic picks up another can. It is still close to the cupboard. “I wonder if the way they roll might help us to work out what is in each can?” says Gem. “Let’s see if we can find out.” Your challenge Cosmic See if rolling the cans will help Gem and Cosmic to find out what is inside. Gem I think a can of beans will roll the furthest. I think a can of soup will roll the furthest. Uncle Astro I think that what is in side of the can does not make a difference to how it rolls. 15
