Exploring Projectiles: The Free Fall Flicker
Grades 9–12 · 15 min · by Peter Bohacek · Updated Oct 12, 2026
Students will build a simple device that launches a pair of small coins, one launched horizontally and one released from rest. Students construct the device and launch pennies, listening to the sound when they land to determine which lands first. Construction is easy and students will likely succeed in providing evidence to challenge a common preconception about falling objects.
Learning goals
Students can provide evidence to support the conclusion that horizontal speed does not affect vertical acceleration.
Equipment needed
One per student or student group:
a 3x5 index card
a wooden coffee stirrer or 'popsicle stick'
two small pieces of masking or scotch tape
two small coins, such as pennies
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