Ball and Cup Make and Take Toy Level I

The ball and cup is a traditional toy used by people all around the world, from Japanese people to Native Americans. The cup should be just slightly larger than the ball and held by a handle. The ball is attached to the handle with a string. Your homemade version is designed to be as challenging as the real wooden folk toy.

Science Concept
Comparing how toys act in free fall and on Earth

Science Process Skills
Observe, communicate, compare, organize, relate, infer, apply

Life Skills
Communication, learning to learn, critical thinking, problem solving

Time
15 to 20 minutes

You Will Need

• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Ruler
• Ping pong ball
• Plastic fork
• Paper bathroom cup
• A piece of string, about 3 feet long

How to Do this Activity

1. Tape the fork to the bottom of the cup with the tines curved upward. This is the handle of your new toy.
2. Tape one end of the string to the ping pong ball.
3. Tie the other end of the string to the handle of the fork at a point near the cup.
4. Hold the handle with one hand, and let the ball hang down. With a swinging motion, cause the ball to swing into the cup. It must stay in the cup and not bounce out.
5. If you are having difficulty, wrap up more of the string. The longer the string, the harder it is to catch the ball.

Astronaut Challenge

What is the best technique for catching the ball on Earth?

Can the astronauts use your technique in space? What would happen if they did?

How can the astronauts catch the ball in the cup?

Will this toy be easier or harder to use in space?

Physics Fun Fact
On Earth, gravity causes the ball to fall into the cup and holds it there. In orbit everything is in free fall so there is nothing to keep the ball from bouncing right back out of the cup! Newton's Third Law says forces (pushes or pulls) will always act in pairs.

Return to Toys in Space