Hallway Bowling
Opening Question:
How does Newton’s first law of motion explain the motion of objects?
1. How do you change the motion of an object?
2. Will a more massive object be easier to change? Why or why not?
Hypothesis:
Create a hypothesis relating to how difficult the bowling ball will be to maneuver compared to
the basketball
Procedure:
Each person will negotiate a bowling ball and a basketball around the course.
Your score is equal to the time you take to negotiate the course and get your ball to come to a
complete stop in the box plus any penalty time.
The scores of each ball will be added together for a final score.
The Course:
Slalom
“No touch” zone
Start/Finish
Stop the ball
in the box
to finish
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Begin in the box.
Negotiate the slalom, either left/right or right/left is acceptable.
Do not touch the ball between the next cones.
Turn around at the double cones at the far end.
Do not touch the ball between the cones on the way back.
Negotiate the slalom again; either left/right or right/left is acceptable.
Stop the ball in the box to stop the timer.
Penalties:
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Touching a cone, 5 seconds
Touching a wall, 10 seconds
Touching the ball in the no-touch zone, 5 seconds
Maneuvering the ball with your hand or foot, 5 seconds
Skipping any part of the course, 5 seconds
Causing any damage to school property, additional 30 seconds
Disturbing another class, 30 seconds
Spectators interfering with a competitor will receive a 15 second penalty on their own
time
Analysis Questions:
1. How do you change the motion of an object? Does a lighter or heavier ball move more
easily?
2. Describe how you got the ball up to speed.
3. Describe how you got the ball through the slalom section.
4. Describe the motion of the ball through the no touch zone.
5. Describe how you got the ball to turn around the cones at the far end.
6. Describe how you stopped the ball at the end. Where do you think the ball would have
stopped if you didn’t apply any force to it?
Conclusion:
1. How would negotiating the course be different if the ball were 50 pounds?
2. Explain how this experiment relates to Newton’s first law of motion.
Your report should include:
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7.
Standard MLA Heading
Opening Questions answered
Your Hypothesis
Description of procedure and course.
Your times (mention any penalties)
Answers to Analysis Questions
Conclusion questions