Physics: Hit the Target

Objectives

• Students will explore the range of a marble that rolls down a ramp and off a table.
• Students will investigate the relationship between the range of the marble, the angle of the ramp, and the release distance up the ramp. They will also develop a mathematical model relating these variables.
• Students will use their model to hit a target placed on the floor.

Vocabulary

• mathematical model
• range

About the Lesson

This lesson is an exploration by students of the range of a marble that rolls down a ramp and off a table. The goal is for students to develop a mathematical model that will allow them to hit a target placed on the floor on the first try.
As a result, students will:

• Make systematic measurements and record the data in an organized fashion.
• Use graphs to analyze the data and develop a mathematical model relating: 1. the range of the projectile to the release distance up the ramp and 2. the angle of the ramp.
• Use their model to determine the appropriate angle and release distance needed to make the marble hit a target on the floor.