Where Will It Go?

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In this activity, learners predict where a ball will go after it bounces off another object. Learners discover that the motion of objects is predictable based on laws of motion. Use this activity to explain how particle physicists use laws of motion to predict and trace the pathways of subatomic particles that are too small to see.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Items that you can use as stationary objects including: round cake pan, flat surface made from a thick book, large cookie cutter shapes that can include stars and others. The objects have to be substantial enough so that they are not damaged when hit by the ball. You may need something to weight down the objects as well.
  • A pencil
  • A ruler and/or meter stick to help roll a ball in a straight line path and to draw incoming and predict outgoing paths
  • Small rubber balls (1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter) that roll easily and will bounce off objects with little damage
  • A large piece of paper (at least 12”x18”) beneath the shape makes it easier for learners to gather data as they can draw paths of incoming and outgoing balls
  • Masking tape (to tape stationary objects down)
  • Colored markers to trace paths of various trials

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Probability
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Newton's Laws
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, University of Kansas, 2006

Funding Sources:

  • University of Kansas
  • National Science Foundation, EPS-0236913
  • State of Kansas through the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation
  • National Science Foundation, EPP-0354836
  • National Science Foundation, EPS-90903806
  • Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
  • Google