Investigating Projectile Motion
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phet
submitted by John Scruggs

Learning Goals
•	Determine the variables that effect projectile motion 
•	Predict which variables affect the path of the trajectory

Set Up
•	Students working in groups of 3 or 4
Questions to Ponder and Answer
•	Using the projectile motion simulation, what variables can be tested that could affect projectile motion?
•	Predict which of these do affect projectile motion and provide reasoning for why you think a particular variable might affect or not affect projectile motion.  Explain this for each variable. 
•	Test your predictions by looking at changes in each variable.  Remember to change only one variable at a time.
•	Use the tape measure to determine the height and distance a trajectory travels.
•	What angle might give you the greatest height? How could you test this with a simulation that does not go off the page? 
•	What angle might give you the greatest distance? How could you test this with a simulation that does not go off the page? 
•	What angle will give you minimum trajectory distance? Explain the reasoning behind this. 
•	What is the change in x and the change in y for a tankshell with a cannon angle degree of 80 and an initial speed of 40? 
•	Is this the same for a Buick at the same angle and speed? Explain why or why not?