Space Stations: Follow the Bouncing Ball!

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners predict whether a ball on Earth or a ball on the Moon bounces higher when dropped and why. They simulate the experiment by dropping high- and regular-bounce balls from their shoulder height. Learners discover that in microgravity, a little energy goes a long way! This activity station is part of a sequence of stations that can be set up to help learners explore how space affects the human body and why.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 high-bounce ball
  • 1 jacks ball or other low-bounce ball
  • 1 permanent marker
  • Learner's guide

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth Structure
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Muscles and Skin
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
      • Energy and Power
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Sports and Exercise
  • Toys

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:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate's Education Program