Bouncy Balls
Phenomenon:
Bouncy balls are super bouncy.
Student Task:
Construct an explanation for what causes a bouncy ball to be so bouncy.
Model
Students draw models to describe the materials that different balls are made of.
Investigate
Students plan and carry out an investigation to measure the bounciness of different types of balls.
Students observe balls bouncing in slow-motion.
Obtain Information
Students read to obtain information about the properties of rubber and other materials (matter).
Analyze Data
Students graph the data from their experiment and test properties of different materials (e.g., measuring how stretchy rubber is).
Explanation:
A bouncy ball is bouncy because it's made of rubber. Rubber has special properties that make it useful for different things. The stretchy property of rubber helps a ball bounce.
NGSS Standards:
2-PS1-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. (Patterns)
2-PS1-2 Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.* (Cause and effect)
fair-test-organiser.pdfSuggested Lesson Sequence:
Days 1-2: Students ask questions about bouncy balls. Students plan and carry out an investigation to measure the bounciness of different types of balls. Students graph their data and classify balls as low or high bouncers.
Day 3: Students draw models to describe the different materials that each ball is made of. Students compare high, medium, and low bouncing balls to look for patterns.
Day 4: Students read to obtain information about the properties of rubber and other types of matter. Students predict which property of rubber is important for making a ball bounce. Students write a claim supported by reasoning for what causes a bouncy ball to be so bouncy.
Day 5: Students test the properties of rubber, measuring how stretchy a rubber band is. Students observe balls bouncing in slow motion to discover that balls stretch when they bounce. Students add measurable, observable evidence to support their written explanation.
Formative Assessment:
Use students' science notebooks as a formative assessment, including the data collection table and graph, the model drawings of different balls, and the written explanation for the phenomenon.
CER Rubric.pdfLesson Contributor: