Striking results with bouncing balls

Abstract

In a laboratory activity students study the behaviour of a bouncing ball. With the help of a high-speed camera they can study the motion in detail. Computer modelling enables them to relate the measurement results to the theory. They experience that reality (measurements) is not automatically in line with the predictions of the theory (the models), but often even strikingly apart. This stimulates a process of repeated cycles from measurement to interpretations (how to adapt the model?), and in this way it realizes a rich and complete laboratory activity. The activity is made possible by the integrated ICT tools for measurements on videos made by a high-speed camera (via automated point-tracking), and for modelling and simulations.