The Use of Inquiry Cards in the Classroom – An Inquiry on Forces that Cause Movement

Everyday boats and ships around the world navigate through narrow channels on their journey to deliver cargo and freight or to take people to different locations. The Panama Canal is an example of one such narrow waterway. Boats must enter these narrow passages with great control to ensure they do not crash and get damaged. Your team has been given the challenge of getting your boat to the end of the Canal (a trough) in the most controlled way you can, so that it can safely continue its journey. Using the materials provided, you will evaluate which force will control your boat the best. In addition, your team will race other teams to see which boat can get through the canal fastest while maintaining control. Following each team having a chance to race 1-2 times (depending on time), a large class discussion will occur in which students will analyze the different materials they used to apply force and interpret the impact of the forces on the boats ability to move in a controlled manner.