Having a ball

Does the height a ball bounces depend on how high it is dropped from?

Be careful where you carry out this investigation.

If you need to stand on something to drop the ball, make sure what you stand on is safe.

PLAN

What type of ball will you use?

Could you use several balls?

How will you judge the height of the bounce?

I WILL NEED

Ball.

Metre rule (or other measuring equipment).

Pencil & paper.

I MAY NEED

More than one ball.

A stepladder - or something to stand on.

FAIR TEST

How can you make sure the ball is released in exactly the same way?

What surface will you drop onto?

PREDICTION

What do you think might happen?

Does this connect to any science you have done or heard about previously?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

You will need to work with some friends to complete this investigation.

How many times did you drop the ball from each height?

COLLECT

DATA

Record the height of the bounce for each dropping point.

ANALYSE

DATA

Could you draw a simple graph to show your results?

PRESENT

FINDINGS

You could produce a graph - or a specially designed chart.

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

Could you improve the way you measured the height of the bounce?

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

Bouncing ball

Ball & graph