Have your students build ramps to begin their experiments with force and motion. You may want to have them build more than one ramp at different angles. The different angles will help them test how much force objects need to move. Show the students how to measure the degrees in a ramp by using a large protractor. If the student is working alone, encourage him to take pictures or have someone else take pictures of him performing the different tests.
Collect objects that can roll down the ramp. The students can try round fruits, flat objects (such as blocks) or objects with wheels (such as toy cars). The more objects you have to test, the better your results. You may want to have each student bring in one or two objects. That way you will get more variety and you can eliminate the doubles. Weigh each object to see if weight makes any difference in the amount of force it takes to move an object.
Send your objects down the ramp. Time how long it takes for the object to roll down the different ramps. In addition, use a measuring tape to record the distance the object goes beyond the end of the ramp. Make sure to record the results for each object at each ramp. Take note of how much force you have to exert for the objects to go down the ramp.
Make sure to record all the results for going up the ramp just as you did for going down the ramp. Make a starting line for pushing your objects by putting some tape on the floor. Try pushing your objects gently or blowing them to get them to go up the ramp. Test your objects on each ramp again, giving them a harder push. Write down which objects can easily go up the ramp with a little force and which ones take a lot more force.