Hit the Spot!: Physics and Your Tennis Racket

Submitted by smileadmin on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 12:43

Source Institution

  • New York Hall of Science

Source Collection

  • TryScience

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Description

This is a hands-on activity about the physics of tennis. Learners will discover that physics plays a big part in tennis, no matter what their skill level might be. The activity has learners investigate how the angle of their racket affects ball trajectory as they try to hit homemade targets. Best done outside, or in a large gym.

Quick Guide

  • Preparation Time: Under 5 minutes
  • Learning Time: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Estimated materials cost: $10 - $20 per student
  • Age Range: Ages 8 - 14
  • Resource Type: Activity
  • Language: English

Materials List (per student)

  • A wall and a large hard/concrete surface outside (like a garage door and a driveway)
  • A tennis racket
  • A tennis ball
  • A tape measure or meter stick
  • 5 sheets of paper
  • Masking tape
  • Magic marker
  • A stopwatch (optional)
Subjects

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
      • Projectile Motion
Audience

To use this activity learners need to

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other

Components that are part of this resource

This resource is part of

By

The Franklin Institute

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Rights

All Rights Reserved, The Franklin Institute,

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