Dog Sled Friction Harness Vector STEM Lab (ICE02) | Middle School Winter Physics (Grades 6-8)

? Dog Sled Friction Harness Vector STEM Lab (ICE02)

Explore kinetic friction, surface runner coatings, static vs. dynamic resistance, tow line tension vectors, and friction coefficients! The Dog Sled Friction Harness Vector STEM Lab (ICE02) challenges middle school student teams to act as Arctic mechanical engineers, building a miniature dog sled and low-friction runner system to transport cargo across a test track.

Students explore kinetic friction, runner surface materials, harness angle force vectors, weight distribution, and coefficient of friction calculations!

? WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS 3-PAGE PACKET?

• ? Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan: NGSS alignment (MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-2), target science concepts, drag track setup guide, expected student outcomes, answer keys, and spring scale safety tips.

• ? Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint: Real-world Iditarod mushing and Arctic transport engineering scenario hook. Clear material limits box (sled chassis, craft sticks, wax paper, foil, felt, string, spring scale, weights). Dedicated Sled Runner & Harness Force Vector Schematic sketching zone.

• ? Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection: Structured Data Testing Table (runner material, total sled weight, required pulling force in N, sliding notes). Applied Math Connection (calculate Coefficient of Kinetic Friction). Physics reflection questions.

? CORE STEM SKILLS COVERED:

• Arctic Transport Engineering & Kinetic Friction Physics

• Surface Runner Mechanics & Coefficient of Friction Optimization

• Force Vector Alignment & Harness Tension Analysis

• Data Logging, Force Measurement (Newtons), and Decimal Ratio Math

? WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS RESOURCE:

• 3-Page Professional Layout: Includes a complete Teacher Guide for seamless prep, keeping student lab sheets clean and ready to print!

• Low-Cost Materials: Uses simple cardboard boxes, craft sticks, wax paper, aluminum foil, yarn, and spring scales.

• High-Impact Winter Physics Lab: Turns Newton's laws of motion and friction physics into a hands-on, high-stakes Arctic hauling challenge!

• Format: High-resolution, print-ready PDF format (3 Pages).

Target Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th / Middle School

Subject Area: Physical Science, Physics, Forces and Motion, STEM Labs, Winter Science

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