Computer Science

Engineering Landing Pads: Bounce Height Measurements

Middle School Impacts of Computing Algorithms & Programming In Classrooms

Students use a computer to collect precise data on how high a ping pong ball bounces on different landing materials.

unit Overview

This computer science module can be taught independently but is intended to be taught after the YES Middle School Engineering Landing Pads unit. Students learn how a computer can be used to measure how high a ping-pong ball bounces on different landing pad materials. Students discuss how the computer algorithm and investigation procedure must work together to collect reliable data.

  • 2 lessons
  • 45 minutes per lesson
  • Student materials available in Spanish
  • Computational tools used: MATLAB interactives (free and web-based)
  • Materials needed: Materials kits are not available for purchase for computer science modules

Standards Alignment

YES units align with state and national science standards, integrating seamlessly with popular elementary science curricula.

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unit Resources

Digital Resources (FREE)

YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.

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Module Map

Students use a live script to apply a mask to images of bounce height measurement investigations. They apply what they learn to consider why the color of the objects used in the investigation matters.

Students use a sequence of paper frames to consider what data a computer could extract from a video. They use a live script to find the bounce height of a ping-pong ball dropped on various materials.

Our funders

Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.