Friction Testing

This week we conducted an experiment to test the friction created by different types of sport balls on the same surface of concrete.

Our Aim:
To find which ball produces the most friction when connecting with a concrete surface, therefore determining the speed of motion

Materials used:
Balls
1 meter ruler
1 timer

Ball Types:

• Basketball
• Netball
• Soccer ball
• Rainbow ball
• Tennis ball
• Rubber ball
• Hockey ball
• Marble

Results: 
We discovered that we had a range of different results that suggested a number of different ideas about which ball was fastest, slowest or produced the most/least amount of friction.

Post Discussion:
We decided that the experiment we conducted was an unfair test as there were too many inconsistencies and differences between different groups and different tests.

Consistent Variables:

• test distance (1 meter)
• all groups used the exact same balls
• all tests were done on the same concrete surface

Inconsistent Variables:

• Students ability with timing and different tools to time
• Amount of force applied to the ball causing it to move.

Today we are going to looking at our last 2 experiments and why/ how they were unfair tests and how we can adjust them to ensure they produce accurate and fair results. We will keep you posted!