THE SKI JUMP LAB

1) Identify the problem. Write a testable question.

How does the height of a ramp affect the distance an object will travel?

2) Form a hypothesis. Be sure to answer your testable question. (Cause and effect)

3) Plan the experiment. How will your group proceed?

Materials

One ramp

Marble

Meter stick (Only One)

Creation of a floor recording device (No Tape)

Procedure (Write a brief outline for this on your test)

1. Set up the ramp as was indicated by the teacher. Be sure and keep the ramp about 10cm from the edge of the table. Lab is not to be done on floor.

2. Adjust the ramp to a height of 10cm. Your group will need to figure a system of supporting the ramp.

3. Role the marble down the ramp. See where the marble will hit. Your group will need to develop a system that will allow your group to record where the ball strikes the floor.

4. Practice your system of recording with your entire group several times before you begin to officially record information in your data table.

5. Record the distance traveled as the distance from the edge of your table’s legs to where the marble landed on the floor.

6. Repeat each height three times, this will allow you to produce an average later.

7. Raise the ramp up in heights of 10cm at a time till you reach 50cm.

What are your dependant variables?

What are your Independent variables?

4) Data Collection (Quantitative and Qualitative)

Set up a table to collect your data in. (see example)

Height Of Ramp (Cm)	Distance Traveled (Cm)			Average Distance
	Trial One	Trial Two	Trial Three

This is the information that needs to be in your data table.

How many rows will you need if your group is starting at 10cm and stopping at 50cm?

5) Summarize the finding from your data table.

6) Conclusion (Relate this to your original hypothesis. Was your hypothesis correct?)