Science fair project

[flamethrower]

5th grade science fair project. Considering doing it on some aspect of softball and looking for any ideas.

One idea I have for her is to research how spin of the ball affects its flight path. Any ideas you guys may have would be welcome.


Thanks

 

[knightsb]

This old Finch video might give you some ideas

 

[quincy]

Ball off a bat. Why does swinging down cause popups? Why does swing up cause grounders? Please forward me the results.

 

[RichK]

Sometimes younger grade science projects are less about proving some scientific fact than learning how to make a hypothesis and collect data in an experiment. If that's the approach, you can always do the old "who throws harder, boys vs. girls" or "is it easier to hit a target with strong hand or off-hand?"

 

[flamethrower]

Very good point Rich.

 

[grounded]

we did one this year too...composite vs. aluminum. It was a little too cool for the composite when we did our testing, but was somewhat suprised by the results. Would like to do when it's 80 or so outside to see how much it changes the results

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Look at this Google review of a book on baseball science experiments. Preview of Home run! : science projects with baseball and softball [WorldCat.org]

Scroll down and the chapters will open with a click.

 

[flamethrower]

Thank you Amy.

 

[joemcq51]

My DD did her 6th grade science fair project on the difference between aluminum and composite bats. Did all the research, made charts, etc... The most fun was when we went outside for the testing. She went with hitting like 20 balls off the tee and measuring the distance and getting an average, then repeating. I can't remember the results exactly. It was just a lot of fun to do.

 

[RookKev]

Revolutions per/minute required to actually make a rise ball rise! Or does the pitch really exist? Both fun questions! Careful of the debate though!