Return to Lesson Plan Index
Printer Friendly Version
Grades: 9-12
Author: Jake Saylor
Source: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC-1161732.
Students investigate the variables that may impact the peel force of different tapes/adhesives. This includes, factors such as the type of adhesive, peel force, angle, width of sample, and velocity of pull. Although all these may be tested some relationships are trivial for high school students depending on the level. So we will test angle, width, velocity and their relationship to the peel force.
What should students know as a result of this lesson?
What should the students be able to do as a result of this lesson?
Engagement/Assessment
Your grandmother is having trouble opening her yogurt cup with her old brittle and carpal tunnel filled hands. She asks you to investigate what angle she should peel the lid back to exert the least amount of force. You decide to investigate it a little further and ask; what variables may impact the force required to peel an adhesive from a surface?
Exploration/Assessment
Students will perform a lab changing the angle of peel and width of sample to determine how these variables impact peel force.
Explanation/Assessment
Students will graph their data and answer analysis questions regarding the lab to formulate a relationship between the variables.
Elaboration/Assessment
Advanced classes may complete further investigations questions using the mathematical model to do some calculations. If time permits: Can you design a device that Grandma could use to help her open her yogurt cup?
Students should have a basic understanding of motion, different types of forces, and Newton's Laws. In addition, students should understand the importance of adhesives and different adhesives that are available.
NGSS Standards:
Common Core Standards:
National Standards:
Ohio Standards:
Students should be familiar with basic lab safety rules.
Adhesives are all around us. They come in the form of tapes, wall/window/floor decals, and glues. Millions of dollars each year are invested in purchasing these products as well as doing research to design more efficient products. The strength of these adhesives determines their use. Stronger adhesives such as duct tape leave a residue and are very difficult to remove from most surfaces. Weaker adhesives such as wall decals must be strong enough to stay on the wall but must be able to be easily removed.
Lab data collection, graphing, analysis and application questions.
Grouping Suggestions: Other variables may be tested besides the ones that are presented here. Students should be in groups of 2 or 3.
Pacing/Suggested Time: A 45 min. period should be allowed to complete the lab and questions. I would suggest doing the introduction and background information the day before.
