soccerball1This experiment is one of my favorites in this acceleration series, because it clearly shows you what acceleration looks like. The materials you need is are:

  • a hard, smooth ball (a golf ball, racket ball, pool ball, soccer ball, etc.)

  • tape or chalk

  • a slightly sloping driveway (you can also use a board for a ramp that's propped up on one end)
For advanced students, you will also need: a timer or stopwatch, pencil, paper, measuring tape or yard stick, and this printout.

Grab a friend to help you out with this experiment - it's a lot easier with two people.

Are you ready to get started really discovering what acceleration is all about?

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Comments

6 Responses to “Slope of the Line”

  2. fullsnaps says:

    what is the equation for finding the acceleration?

  3. Yes, it can be difficult to stop the ball after only one second. If possible, conduct the experiment on a driveway. This will give you more room to work. It is okay if your first mark is at two seconds. Be sure to then make marks at three seconds and four seconds.

  4. clare_averill550 says:

    We had an infuriating time trying to actually time 1 second of travel and eventually gave up on the experiment.

  5. Yes, it is. The post you are looking at is in the High School section, but you can also get at the same content by going through the program by Topics instead of by Grade. It’s the same content, just organized differently.

  6. angela_holmes says:

    Is this the same experiment here (under Slope of a Line) as in “Acceleration” from lesson 1? The worksheets are identical as well. Thanks