Kicking Machine
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
Add to listGo to activity
In this design challenge activity, learners build a machine that kicks a Ping-Pong ball into a cup lying on its side 12 inches away. Learners use a pendulum, a rubber band, or a combination of the two to do this and test the accuracy of their machines by shooting a Ping-Pong ball into a cup. Educators can use this activity to demonstrate simple machines and kinetic/potential energy. This activity can be followed up with "Extreme Kicking Machine" which adds an even greater challenge into the mix.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $5 - $10 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Balls (Ping-Pong and golf)
- Corrugated cardboard
- Paper clips
- Paper cups
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Ruler
- Scissors
- String
- Tape (masking or duct)
- Thin metal wire (optional)
- Wooden skewers
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
- Energy and Power
- Work and Machines
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
- Projectile Motion
- Energy
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection:
- Design Squad Nation
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2010
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 0810996
