1D15.20 High Road, Low Road

High Road Low Road

Two balls race – one down a slight incline and the other down the same incline but including a valley. Device with the orange flag shows the winner. Use wood block to launch balls equally.

Clamp rod about 16cm above table for good results.

The pictured apparatus consists of a pair of lightweight metal tracks. Each track has the same incline, but one additionally has a drop to a 'valley' with a symmetric rise on the other side. At one end, the tracks end in a horizontal bar, allowing them to be fastened to a post and held at an appropriate height. At the other end, the tracks end in a wooden support with a repurposed "Hot Wheels" flag pair. The flag of the first ball to go through will pop up, giving the students a clear indication of the winner. A red-painted wooden starting block and two steel marbles rest on the table.

A close-up of the repurposed "Hot Wheels" flag end stop. Two tabs extend into the track zone, where they will be struck by the steel marbles. The first one to strike its tab will trigger the bright orange flag, clearly showing the winner.

Location: H1-1 (hanging) plus stand and clamp. Styrofoam catch bucket (replaces plastic bucket in photo) is on H1-1. Steel balls are in DE-8, drawer 2 52. Board to support set-up is propped against wall to the right of the classroom turntable (under slide rule).