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Geometry of Goal-Scoring

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Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
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Abstract

Block off one-third of a soccer net with a cone, 5-gallon bucket or some other suitable object. Shoot into the smaller side from a set distance, but systematically varying the angle to the goal line. Take enough shots at each angle to get a reliable sample. How does success vary with angle? For a basic project: How do you think your success rate will vary with angle? Draw a conclusion from your experimental results. A bar graph showing success rate at different angles can help to illustrate your conclusion. For a more advanced project: Use your knowledge of geometry and soccer to come up with a mathematical expression to predict your success rate as a function of angle (measured as a percentage of your success rate with straight-on shots)? How well does your prediction agree with your actual results? (idea from Gardner, 2000, pp. 108-110.)

Bibliography

Gardner, Robert. Science Projects About the Physics of Sports. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2000.
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MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Geometry of Goal-Scoring." Science Buddies, 20 Nov. 2020, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p038/pure-mathematics/geometry-of-goal-scoring?from=Blog. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2020, November 20). Geometry of Goal-Scoring. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p038/pure-mathematics/geometry-of-goal-scoring?from=Blog


Last edit date: 2020-11-20
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