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High Road, Low Road

Two cars at the top of a ramp that has two roads one being steeper than the other.
PIRA 1D15.20

Materials: 1 Ramp with High and Low Road, 2 Cars of Equal Mass, 1 Wood Box

Tell students that you will release two identical Hot Wheels cars simultaneously at the top of the high-road-low-road device shown above.  Ask the students which one will reach the bottom first, or if it will be a tie.  If this is done after a discussion of conservation of energy, many will expect a tie and be surprised when the car on the low road wins.