The Projectile Motion Challenge: A Differentiated Approach to Engage Students

The final assessment for the kinematics module, known as "Ball in the Cup," evaluates students' understanding of projectile motion. In this activity, students must predict the mid-trajectory location of a ball rolling off a ramp using only their knowledge of projectile motion, a ruler, and an angle indicator. A cup is placed at the student's predicted location. Students release the ball down the ramp to see if it will successfully land in the cup. To enhance their understanding and improve accuracy, students first conducted a laboratory experiment investigating the relationship between ramp height and the ball's range. This presentation will outline the experimental apparatus, instructional sequence, and grading rubric for the student's written reports. Leveling the project for different student capabilities will be addressed.