The Pitch

The first program in this series takes a look at the physics of the pitch. There's a lot of exciting physics to explore in the 60-feet-6-inch path from the pitching rubber -- 10 inches above the playing field -- to the batter standing at home plate. The Pitch takes a look at gravity, air drag and the Magnus force (three forces controlling trajectory once the pitcher releases the ball) and how the pitcher can use these forces to manipulate the path of the ball.

Lesson Plans:

Drag Simulation Activity

The Magnus Force Activity

Pitch Trajectory Activity

Graphing Calculator Activity

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