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Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Engineering design, force, motion
A whiffle ball next to a mallet made of a plastic bottle, tape and cardboard tubes

Introduction

Do you play or watch a sport where you use something (other than your hands or feet) to hit a ball? Golf, baseball, tennis, hockey—there are many different sports where players use something to hit a ball or a puck. In this activity you will design, build, and test your own sports equipment made from recycled materials.

Credits

Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Assorted recyclable materials: plastic bottles, cardboard boxes and tubes, etc.
  • Duct tape and/or glue
  • Scissors
  • Pencil and paper
  • Lightweight plastic or rubber ball (ping pong ball, whiffle ball, etc). Do not use a heavy ball like a baseball.
  • A few friends to play your game with you!
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Engineering design, force, motion
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