How Friction Affects Your Sled Ride

SciShow Kids

Join Jessi and Squeaks the Robot Mouse in this engaging winter science lesson that explains the physics of friction through a relatable sledding adventure. After a disappointing first run down a snowy hill where their sled barely moves, Jessi uses the scientific method to analyze what went wrong. The video breaks down key physics concepts including force, weight, and surface texture to explain why the sled got stuck. The core of the video focuses on the concept of friction—the force that resists motion when two surfaces slide against each other. Through clear animations and a relatable analogy involving wearing socks on carpet versus wood floors, students learn that rough surfaces create more friction than smooth ones. The video demonstrates how fresh, powdery snow acts as a rough surface that slows the sled down, while packed snow creates a smoother surface for faster sliding. This resource is an excellent tool for introducing elementary students to forces and motion. It models scientific inquiry by identifying a problem, analyzing variables (push strength, weight, surface texture), devising a solution (packing the snow), and testing the result. Teachers can use this to spark classroom experiments about friction using toy cars on different surfaces or to discuss problem-solving strategies in science.