1. Day 18 2/24/11 Topic: Marble Launcher Lab
Objective: I can determine the launch angle that maximizes horizontal distance (dx).
Starter:
A punter is trying to maximize the distance the football travels in the horizontal direction (dx). What advice would you give him?

2. Marble Launcher Information
1. Set up by marking a tape line on the floor. This line is where you set the front edge of the launcher.
2. One person launches while several group members stand to either side to spot where the marble first touches the ground.
3. Place a marble in the barrel and then pull the pin back and slide it into slot #3.
4. Use your thumb to flick the pin out of the slot and launch the marble.
5. Use only the black plastic marbles, and follow all safety rules.
6. Spotting the landing point is tricky. It often takes several launches to figure out where the marble
lands.

3. Jobs Marble Retriever (1) Marble Markers (2) Launcher (1)
One on each side of tape measure
Use your foot to mark/point & agree
Launcher (1)
Official Data Recorders (2)
Record Trials
Average the trials
Observation & Recording Team
Remainder of Class
Record the Trials & Average the Data

4. Marble Launch Data Table
Launch Angle (degrees)
Trial 1
Distance (m)
Trial 2
Average Distance (m) 10 20 30 40 45 50 60 70 80 90