How can I analyze my simple project using sonar?

Middle school science project

• I am helping my daughter with a science project- "Which ball will bounce the highest." I need to form a hypothesis and then test this hypothesis using different balls. I need help in completing this project following the steps below. Also, where would I buy the different balls for the experiment? The steps: State the question in the form of a problem. Search for information, Devise a hypothesis. Test the hypothesis via the experiment. Analyze the results. Draw conclusions.

• Answer:

  Hello HaveQuestions, There are a number of good sites describing this kind of science project. This answer will introduce you to a few of them for background information and then make suggestions related to the specific steps you describe. The Hot Versus Cold Tennis Ball http://wings.avkids.com/Curriculums/Tennis/hotcold_howto.html has a good one page summary of the items needed (tape measure, tennis balls, thermometer, oven / freezer, etc.), suggestions on methods, forms to record information, and so on. There is also a look at a series of pages describing the problem statement and walks through the project at http://wings.avkids.com/Tennis/Project/coldhot.html Successful Science Fair Projects http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html A good guide to how to organize a science project, written by a science fair organizer / judge. It goes through each of your steps with good suggestions. There are also a few different ideas for the bouncing ball project including: - old vs. new tennis balls - pressure of a basketball General Wolfe Science Project Handbook http://www.wsd1.org/GeneralWolfe/scdept/handbook/handbook.htm Another good guide on organizing a science project, the steps involved, and so on. A sample hypothesis is for air pressure in a basketball. Glubber and Glue Putty http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceExBoraxPlusGlueEqualsWhatMO68.htm Describes how to make balls from household materials (powdered borax, borax, glue). These won't necessarily bounce high, but could be used to compare with other balls and can be fun to make. Suppliers of Kits / Materials http://www.holycowscience.com/projects.html has a "fourth grade" kit for bouncing tennis balls. http://www.scienceproject.com/projects/intro/intermediate/IP015.asp a supplier of plans / items for bouncing balls for grades 7 & 8. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0766011658 Science Projects About the Physics of Toys and Games (from Amazon.com), a book for $21, shipping within 24 hours. Your local sporting goods store should also be able to supply a variety of balls, but I would ask at your school or friends first. To the steps. I will use the tennis ball example in explaining the steps. However, I suggest reading one or both of the sites above that describe the steps of the science project for additional ideas. #1 - the problem. Let's say I want to hit tennis balls farther. Thinking about the problem, I can practice to get better skill, I can exercise to get stronger, or I can get better equipment. Focusing on the third alternative, I need to find a "better ball". Using http://wings.avkids.com/Tennis/Project/coldhot-03.html as a guide, it lists three questions to answer. There are certainly other questions that could be asked such as the "new" vs. "old" comparison and other considerations. #2 - information search At this point, what additional information do you need? Using the tennis ball example, there are organizations such as the ITF that specify balls and surfaces in tennis: http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/pdf/original/IO_1404_original.PDF (warning - 2.3 Mbyte download) for information about approved tennis balls. It does have some pretty interesting pictures / figures to describe how the ITF tests balls. There may also be previous research reports that are on this or similar topics. I would do a search using phrases in your question to help find additional on line resources. #3 - the hypothesis For the hot / cold tennis ball example, you may know that "hard" balls bounce higher than soft balls. A hot tennis ball would then bounce higher because the air pressure inside is a little higher than a cold ball. So the hypothesis could be... - hot balls will bounce higher than cold balls which is a statement that can be readily tested. Pick a statement that can be tested by an experiment. #4 - test the hypothesis You now need some way to test the hypothesis. A repeatable set up - ladder / stairs - a hard surface to drop onto - measuring tape - balls - a way to heat / cool the balls - thermometer and so on. Do the tests, and record the information on a form. The sites above have some good tests and information for the hot / cold tennis ball example. #5 - analyze the results At this point, you have the data that shows the relationship between temperature and "bounce height". Perhaps draw on an X / Y chart with temperature across the X axis (horizontal) and height across the Y axis (vertical). Plot the points and draw a line. If the line goes up to the right, you've proven the hypothesis. If it goes down or is level, the hypothesis is false. #6 - draw conclusions At this point, you need to summarize the results, suggest future tests, and prepare the presentation. Let me know if you need further information or if some part of this answer is unclear. There are other sites available with good science project ideas and descriptions of "how to" do a science project. Search phrases included: bounce ball science project --Maniac