Using A Digital Video Camera to Study Motion

by: Gil Abisdris and Alain Phaneuf

To illustrate how a digital video camera can be used to analyze various types of motion, this simple activity analyzes the motion and measures the acceleration due to gravity of a basketball in free fall. Although many excellent commercially available data loggers and software can accomplish this task, this activity requires almost no financial resources. It makes use of a standard digital video recorder that most students have as an option on their cell phones or digital cameras. Software that is freely available online and very basic computers to aid in the motion analysis are also used.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 12/1/2007Stock # tst07_074_09_44Volume 074Issue 09

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

Learn More