To formulate and test hypotheses. To build a foundation for subsequent lessons. To experience collaborative research and discovery. One set of materials will be needed for each group of students. The processes used in this lesson are similar to those a scientist at a pharmaceutical company would use in determining the dosage recommendations for a new product.
All scientific inquiry follows a similar protocol.
A question is identified, and an experiment is designed to answer the question. Variables are identified and addressed to improve the precision of the experiment. Each group should select a recorder, a measurer, and a shooter or shooters. Push ten golf tees into the Styrofoam block, and position a ping pong ball on each tee. Each group should then shoot at the ping pong balls 10 times from each distance.