This week we took a deeper look at the variables that make for a perfect serve and return hit in the game of table tennis. To start out we first discussed those variables that are hard to control and those variables that we can control. We defined those variables we can control as the independent factors in the experiment. Then each group came up with a working definition of what a perfect serve is so that we could have a point of reference when observing and analyzing the hit. Once everyone defined "the perfect hit", we decided to test how the mass of the ball, an independent variable, affects the perfect hit. To test this idea we used three types of balls: 1) a plush small basketball, 2) a plush baseball, and 3) a ping-pong ball. Each group measured the mass of the balls using a scale as well as an electronic scale. Before measuring the masses, we we went over how the triple scale is used.
After weighing the balls it was time to test out the idea! After getting familiar with how the game is played, the trials began. For each ball, students conducted four trials - two underhand hits and two overhead hits and recorded their results on a data table. When all the data was collected, the young scientists analyzed their data and looked for patterns and concluded that the heavier the ball is the harder it is to have a perfect hit. We also discussed how in any sport where human power is involved the key to a "great" athlete is also learning how to control those muscles that make for a great "play" and thus is all about practice, practice, practice!
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