Projectile Motion - Ball Launcher Kit

Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is launched into the air and then moves under the pull of gravity alone, ignoring air resistance. Once launched, the object keeps moving forward at a steady speed while gravity pulls it down, so it travels along a curved path until it lands.

In the Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher Kit, students build a motorized launcher, fire foam balls, and measure how far and how long each ball travels to see projectile motion in action.

A strong projectile motion activity lets students launch a real object, measure where it lands, and use their own data to calculate velocity and test predictions. Building the launcher themselves adds engineering and circuitry to the physics.

The Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher Kit is designed for this: each participant builds a motorized launcher, measures launches, calculates velocity, and takes on a target challenge. Each kit is individually packaged with everything included, down to the batteries and screwdriver.

The Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher Kit uses small screws and a small screwdriver, requires carefully wiring the battery holder to the small tabs on the motor, and needs precise alignment of the launch wheels to work well. The activity plan also includes velocity calculations. These steps call for the fine motor skills, patience, and math background typical of participants ages 14 and up.

Most builders can assemble the Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher in about 30 minutes using the step-by-step video or printable instructions. Run it as a single 40-minute build-and-launch session, or extend it across three sessions: build and test the launcher, measure launches and calculate velocity, then take on a target challenge where participants predict where the ball will land before they fire.

A tape measure that shows centimeters, a phone to record video, and a second screen, such as a tablet, laptop, or another phone, running a stopwatch that shows hundredths of a second. Filming each launch with the stopwatch in the shot gives an accurate flight time.

For the target challenge, the activity plan includes a printable target, or you can use a tape mark on the floor.

Velocity is distance divided by time. Students measure the horizontal distance from directly below the launch point to where the ball first lands, then convert it to meters.

To find the flight time, a partner films the launch from the side with a stopwatch on a second screen in the shot. Pausing the video when the ball leaves the wheels and again when it lands gives two stopwatch readings. Subtracting them gives the flight time. A launch lasts less than a second, so this is far more accurate than starting and stopping a stopwatch by hand.

Dividing distance by flight time gives velocity in meters per second. For example, 1.20 m ÷ 0.40 s = 3.0 m/s. Averaging five launches improves the result.

Yes. Use one Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher Kit per participant so everyone completes the full build, or have pairs and small groups share a kit to stretch your budget. Working in pairs also suits the measurement activities, where one person launches while the other measures and times.

Yes. The Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher fires lightweight foam balls that don't hit hard, making it well suited to classrooms, libraries, and other indoor spaces. As with any launcher, aim at the target, never at people, and never look directly into the launch path. Keep fingers, hair, and loose sleeves clear of the spinning wheels.

Yes. Once built, the Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher can be used again and again, across multiple sessions or with new groups. Simply replace the AA batteries when needed. The launcher is not designed to be taken apart and rebuilt, so plan on one kit for each launcher you want to build.

Yes. The kit supports NGSS HS-PS3-3, which asks students to design, build, and refine a device that converts one form of energy into another. Students build a launcher that converts energy stored in the batteries into electrical energy, then into the motion of the motor, wheels, and ball, and they refine it by adjusting wheel alignment.

The activity also connects to energy and forces concepts in the free OpenSciEd High School Physics course.

Keep the balls off to the side, switch the launcher on, and wait a few seconds for the wheels to reach full speed. Then place one ball at the top of the launcher arms and let it roll down into the wheels.

Launching one ball at a time, with the wheels back at full speed each time, gives every ball the same push, so results are consistent. If a ball is pushed back toward the launcher arms instead of launching forward, the motor is spinning the wrong way: switch off and swap the two wires on the motor tabs.

Yes. The Xplorably Projectile Motion Ball Launcher works well as a drop-in table activity at STEM nights, library programs, and maker events. Build one or more launchers ahead of time, set out the printable target, and visitors can launch and score on their own.

Each kit includes a free printable event signage pack with step-by-step "Try it!" instructions, a target challenge, and signs explaining projectile motion, Galileo's two-ball surprise, and how energy changes form, so the table explains itself even when you're busy.