Learners use a spring scale to drag an object such as a ceramic coffee cup along a table top or the floor. The spring scale allows them to measure the frictional force that exists between the moving cup and the surface it slides on. By modifying the bottom surface of the cup, learners can find out what kinds of surfaces generate more or less friction. After completing this activity, learners can further their investigation of friction by completing one of the related activities: "Does Contact Area Matter?" or "Does Weight Matter?"