Investigation - Zoom Balls

Students will create Zoom Balls to understand how sometimes both forces of push and pull need to be used at the same time. The student will demonstrate how forces cause changes in speed or direction of objects.

Weblink address (URL): 
Investigation - Zoom Balls

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Use science process and thinking skills 
  • Manifest scientific concepts and principles 
  • Understand science concepts and principles 
  • Communicate effectively using science language and reasoning

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Math -

Compare the relationship (“<”, >” and “=”) between the number of successful passes of the zoom ball between the same partners on two attempts. 

Compare the relationship (“<”, “>” and “=”) between the number of successful passes of the zoom ball between two different sets of partners with one attempt per set. 

 

Healthy Life Styles -

Divide the students into partners. Assign one student in each group as “push” and the other as “pull.” Have the students spread out. The teacher will name an exercise. Students will be given 30 seconds to determine if the exercise requires a push, a pull, or both forces. After 30 seconds, the student that represents that force will demonstrate the exercise. If it is an exercise that requires both a push and a pull, both students will participate. (Possible exercises: push-up, curl-up, wheelbarrow, frog leap, jumping jack, wind mill, arm circles, toe touches, etc.)

 

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

  • 2 - 2 Liter plastic soda bottles (per pair)
  • 2 - Plastic sixpack soda can holder (per pair)
  • 2 - 8 Foot lengths of cord (per pair)
  • Decorating materials (if desired)
  • Scissors or box cutters

Additional resources:

Books:

  • Awesome Experiments in Force and Motion, Michael DiSpezio, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. ISBN 0-8069-9821-0
  • Forces, Karen Bryant Mole, Rigby Interactive Library, 1997. ISBN 1-57572-108-2
  • Forces and Motion, Harcourt School Publishers, 2002. ISBN 0-15-322921-7
  • Forces and Motion, Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 2001 ISBN 1-55734-625-9
  • Magic School Bus Plays Ball, Scholastic Inc. 1997 ISBN 0-590-92240-8
  • Push and Pull, by Patricia J. Murphy (Scholastic Library Publishing)
  • Pushing and Pulling (Science For Fun), by Gary Gibson (Copper Beach Books)

 

Laser Discs:

  • Windows on Science, Primary Vol. 3, Force and Motion Lessons 1-3, 5, 9-13
  • Windows on Science, Primary Vol. 3, Simple Machines Lessons 4-10
  • Windows on Science, Primary Vol. 3, Work and Machines Lesson 1-3

 

Videos: (Available from Jordan School District)

  • Forces: The Law of Motion (Disney, Bill Nye) #13027 26 min.
  • Motion and Force: Play Ball (321 Contact) #10972 15 min.
  • Force and Motion: Newton's Three Laws #07351 18 min.

References

Contributors: 
Kathryn CromwellPrice
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation