Record result of each drop. Have students compare their results to their predictions. Record result of each drop. Have students compare their results to their predictions. Have students make a list of possible variables that may have influenced the results.
Students discuss their results and the relationship to chaos theory.
Students will be asked to brainstorm a list of chaotic systems in real life. Each group of students will graph the results of each procedure. Each group of students will write a paper which will include a description of the experiment, their predictions, results and a conclusion about chaotic systems. A related effect in physics can be demonstrated by flipping a board eraser in the air about each of its symmetry axes. The axis about which the eraser has an intermediate moment of inertia will quickly exhibit unstable chaotic motion whereas the other axes will maintain stable periodic motion.