Shoot for Your Grade

Thornridge High School

Shoot for Your Grade

Students in Mr. Sievers Physics O'Phun classes performed a projectile motion lab called Shoot For Your Grade. The goal of the lab was to place target on the floor at the location where a ball that was rolled off an elevated ramp would strike the floor. Digital timers and infrared photogates were used to measure velocity data of the ball leaving the ramp. Meter sticks were used to measure the initial height of the ball as it left the ramp. Students had perform several calculations to determine the target's location and were able to use classical projectile motion equations in a hands-on application. Bonus points were awarded to students lab scores, based upon the accuracy of their target placement.