How to Compare Golf Balls for Science Projects
In a science project, you are testing a hypothesis that states whether or how much a certain variable affects a desired outcome. Variables are tested against neutral controls in the experiment. If you choose to use golf balls for your science project, you have many options as to how to compare them. Golf balls have many variations in design, purpose and size.
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Instructions
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Choose a variable that you want to use as a basis of comparison for the golf balls.
There are differing numbers of dimples on the balls, for example. Some balls have 500 dimples, others have less, and some have none. Or, you may want to compare balls made for professionals who send balls at higher speeds and balls for those who only play sparingly. The amount of use that a golf ball has may be another basis for comparison.
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Mark your balls with a distinctive symbol or number. You may even dye the golf balls different colors. This helps during the experiment to differentiate the balls and gives you more of a visual comparison. For example, if you choose to test the aerodynamics of golf balls in a wind tunnel, it will help you know which ball is which. Also, it could help find the golf balls during an experiment like if you decide to test how the amount of use affects the distance a golf ball will travel. If you dye the golf balls bright colors, they will be easier to locate when you go searching for them.
Take a picture of each golf ball, noting the difference, or variable, that you are comparing.
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Perform your experiment and make observations. For example, you may test how the number of dimples on various balls affects drag or distance by using balls with different dimple counts.
Conduct at least three trials of the experiment to obtain the most accurate results. During the experiment, note things that may affect your results like the temperature or surrounding obstacles. Try not to let bias affect your observations. You may want to prove that your hypothesis is correct, but what actually happens during your experiment may not be in accordance with your prediction.
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