Modeling a Bouncing Ball

Source: Pexels.com
Type: Investigation
Theme: Modeling
Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Learning Target: Students will model the functions behind a bouncing ball by plotting time versus height and regressing the data.
Instructions
This project is for groups of two.
- Take a video of a ball bouncing with a meter stick installed vertically for measurement (meter preferred). If you use a slow motion camera, you will need to adjust your time data accordingly.
- Use a spreadsheet to record two columns (time and vertical distance from zero). Zero is the ground surface. Use Desmos or paper.
- Graph each of the three tables of data, one for each bounce (x-axis is time, y-axis is height).
- Regress the data to show an equation for each bounce (see example). If using paper, estimate parabolas for each graph.
- Question: Make a list of the physical forces which affect a bouncing ball (include a diagram).
- High school students will model a bouncing ball with Desmos, Code.org or MakeCode.com.
- Take photos of your group working together.
- Obtain and provide a Peer Review.
Submission
Submit as PowerPoint or Word Document (do not include video).
- Data and graph for three bounces of same ball
- Response to question
- Peer Review
Resources
Exit Ticket
CCSS Math Practice
- I can construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
- Systems and System Models
- Stability and Change