Here is a real world lab project that will be beneficial for learning projectile motion by applying the concepts of projectile motion while playing some baseball!

Background:

-Baseballs follow the laws of physics. This activity introduces some of the forces affecting a pitched ball. Of these forces, the force of the pitcher and the force of gravity are most observable. The force of the pitcher moves the ball forward as gravity pulls the ball down to the ground.

-A successful pitcher uses forces to manipulate each pitch. The batter has to understand the motion of the ball as it comes toward him.

-Data collected will be limited by the ability of the human eye to see an object in motion as well as by the speed at which the button on the stopwatch can be depressed. Data may not be precise, but it should show a pattern of motion.

Materials:

baseball or softball

Stopwatch

paper and pencil

ruler

Procedure:

1. Divide students into groups of three. Assign the following tasks and move outside.

a. One class member is the pitcher.

b. One student is the timekeeper.

c. One student will observe the ball and measure the distance it travels.

Part One: Outside

2. In each group, the pitcher throws as many balls as time allows in a 10 minute period. Some balls should be pitched fast and some should be pitched slowly.

3. In each group, the timekeeper records the time from when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand until it hits the ground. This information is recorded in a data table. **See link at the bottom for a sample data table

4. In each group, the observer notes where the ball hit the ground and measures the distance in meters from that spot to the pitcher’s hand. This distance is recorded in the data table. The observer is also responsible for drawing the path of the ball's travel in the labeled box of the data table.

5. At the end of 10 minutes, ask students to collect their materials and return to the classroom for data analysis and calculations.

Part Two: Inside

6. Each group calculates the speed of each ball using the formula

Speed = distance ÷ time

The unit of speed should be meters per second.

7. The following questions are answered at the conclusion of the activity.

a. What is a projectile?

b. What is the typical path of all projectiles ?

c. What makes a projectile travel forward?

d. What makes a projectile travel downward?

e. What is speed?

f. What are the units of speed?

g. Based on your activity, which ball traveled farthest?

h. What is the relationship between speed and distance?

i. How can you explain why balls traveled at different speeds?

j. How do Newton's Laws apply to the projectile?

k. As a group, list three inferences that can be drawn from the information in your data table. State these in full sentences.