Tennis Anyone?

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In this activity, learners explore sports engineering and advanced materials development. Learners work in a team to devise a racquet out of everyday materials that could be used to volley a ping pong ball across a table against an opponent's racquet. Learners design their racquet on paper, build the racquet, and test it against those made by other teams. All teams evaluate their results, reflect on their design, and present to the group.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Ping pong ball covered in hook and loop or Velcro
  • Target board of cloth or Velcro with scoring boxes
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Bendable aluminum wire
  • Straws
  • Paper towel tubes
  • Paper clips
  • Tape
  • Balloons
  • Glue
  • String
  • Foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Paper
  • Other items as needed

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise
  • Toys

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

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, IEEE,