Super Bounce

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In this activity (on page 1 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Soccer Ball Kick), learners will investigate the transfer of energy using sports equipment. Learners first measure how high different kinds of balls bounce compared to their release point and then repeat the testing but release two balls at once, one atop the other. Learners will observe some very surprising and entertaining results. While one ball will go sky high, there is also a measurable difference in the bounce of the bottom ball. Use this activity to explore the relationships between mass and momentum. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV: Soccer Ball Kick.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • several sports balls: basketball, baseball, tennis ball, golf ball
  • a hard-surface floor, and a high ceiling if you are indoors
  • a meter stick or tape measure
  • safety goggles (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

  • Girls

    • Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
    • Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
    • Uses inclusive images of people from this group

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DragonflyTV

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2006

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 436260