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Bouncing Ball Experiments for Elementary Science

As science teachers well know, it can be difficult to capture the attention of students, let alone amaze them with the intricacies of scientific knowledge. Having students participate in conducting experiments, such as those involving bouncing balls, will both gain their interest and allow the knowledge to be learned in a fun atmosphere. The students should also hypothesize what the result will be in order to understand the importance of experimenting.
  1. Supplies

    • A yard stick is necessary for measuring the height of bounces.

      Make sure you have all the necessary supplies before starting. As most experiments call for weighing and measuring the balls, you will need a scale and measuring tape. Some experiments seek to count the number of bounces, where you only need to count; a yardstick, though, will be required for those that measure the height of the bounce, and a stop watch for those measuring the length of time the ball bounces. Depending on the type of experiment, long tubes can be used to contain the bouncing ball.

    Testing Multiple Balls

    • Pair the students up for the experiment.

      One type of experiment tests the bounciness of a variety of balls, which may include golf balls, tennis balls, beach balls, baseballs, volleyballs, basketballs or any others. This may either be measured in number of bounces, height of the bounce or how long the ball bounces. Have the students guess which will be the most and least number, height or length of time. Keep the experiments confined to a closed area.

    Testing Surfaces

    • Remind the students about the sport and the type of surface on which it is played.

      Another experiment tests the bounciness of a particular ball on a variety of surfaces. You will need flat surfaces to test on, such as wood, linoleum, concrete, tile and anything else that comes to mind. Again have the students give their hypothesis, pair up and remain in a closed area.

    Changing the State of the Ball

    • Change the state of the ordinary ball.

      Conduct an experiment where the ball will be cooled in a refrigerator, soaked in water or somehow changed. Have the students compare an unchanged ball, or dependent variable, with the changed ball, the independent variable. See if they can guess what the outcome of changing the ball will be.

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