Slinky+and+M&Ms

In this activity, students create a "contraption" that will allow them to make a prediction about how many M&Ms are needed to make a cup skim the floor:

Need:
 * mini slinkies (can be purchased at a dollar store or target) - 1 per group
 * dixie or styrofoam cups - 1 per group
 * 2 paper clips per group
 * rulers or painter sticks - 1 per group
 * Masking tape
 * M& Ms - PLAIN - enough to fill about 3/4 of the cup per group
 * Meter sticks or measuring tape - 1 per group

How to collect the data:


 * 1) Students will need to tape a painter stick to a desk - with about 2/3 of the stick hanging out over the ground.
 * 2) Make a bucket out of the cup with the two paper clips
 * 3) Attach the slinky to the paper clips on one end - attach the slinky to the painter stick on the other end
 * 4) Start with 3 - 6 M&Ms in the bucket
 * 5) Measure the distance FROM THE FLOOR - to the bottom of the cup and record
 * 6) Add more M&Ms - measure, record
 * 7) Complete approximately 5 - 8 rounds of this BUT DO NOT LET THE CUP HIT THE FLOOR!!!