Ping Pong Ball Bounce Experiment
Name
Purpose: To conduct a controlled experiment.
Problem: Can we measure the bounce of ping pong balls when dropped from different heights?
Hypothesis: As we increase the height that we initially drop the ping pong ball, the bounce height will
.
Materials: Meter stick, ping pong ball.
Procedure:
1. Hold the ping pong ball at 50 cm. Drop the ball. Watch the ball closely as it bounces up. Place
your finger on the meter stick at the point that represents the highest the ball bounced. Record
the height in the data table. Repeat this step 2 more times.
2. Take the three measurements and determine the mean (add the three values and then divide
the total by 3). Record the mean in the data table above.
3. When we conduct controlled experiments, we want to ensure that we collect precise data. Take
a look at your data above. Were the three values close or were they spread over a greater
range? ______________________________________
4. Discuss with your partner how you can ensure that you collect precise data.
5. You and your partner are going to repeat the experiment. This time you will raise the initial
height to 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm, and 100 cm.
6. Record your results in the data table:
Data:
Initial Height
50 cm
60 cm
70 cm
80 cm
90 cm
100 cm
Trial 1 - cm
Bounce Height - cm
Trial 2 - cm
Trial 3 - cm
Mean - cm
Conclusion:
1. What was the independent variable?
2. What was the dependent variable?
3. What were two controlled variables?
4. Make a claim about ping pong balls bouncing.
5. Make a bar graph, showing your data. Include a title and axis titles
6. Write a paragraph to provide reasoning for your claim. Be sure to include evidence from your
graph.