Prop Throw Trajectory Simulator

Festival context —Adjust the launch angle and initial speed of a prop throw in the Cry of Jelicuon fight scene. See the full parabolic arc and find the angle that maximizes range across the stage.

S9FE-IIc-18Grade 9 · Quarter 2Analyze Motion in Two Dimensions

Prop Throw Trajectory Simulator

Interactive Simulator

"Adjust the launch angle and initial speed of a prop throw in the Cry of Jelicuon fight scene. See the full parabolic arc and find the angle that maximizes range across the stage."

Trajectory Stage

Drag the sliders to reshape the arc. Toggle Velocity Vectors, then Throw the bangkaw to see its motion components.

Adjust Variables

Launch angle (°)45 °

1080

Initial speed (m/s)8 m/s

215

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Horizontal Range6.53 m

Max Height1.63 m

range = (speed² × sin(2×angle)) / 9.8; maxHeight = (speed × sin(angle))² / (2 × 9.8)

Community Hub — Cultural Discussion

Reflect & Connect

The choreographer plans a prop throw to impress the judges. Which angle gives the longest horizontal distance? Which gives the highest arc? Which would look more dramatic to the audience seated in the bleachers? Design your ideal throw.

Discuss with your class or write your response in your science journal.

Performance Task

Find the Best Throwing Angle

1Do

Go to an open outdoor space. Throw a small soft ball (or a crumpled paper wad or rolled sock) using the SAME effort three times: once low and flat (about 20°), once at about 45°, and once steeply upward (about 70°). Mark each landing spot with a stone.

2Measure

Measure the horizontal distance from your throwing spot to each landing mark (count steps at about 0.7 m each, or use a tape). Record the three distances next to the angle that produced them.

3Reflect

Which angle threw the prop the farthest? You should find about 45° wins on level ground — matching the simulator and competency S9FE-IIc-18. In the Cry of Jelicuon fight scene, a prop bolo thrown near 45° crosses the most stage. Why does a throw that is too steep OR too flat fall short, even when you use the same effort?

Record your measurements and reflections in your science journal.

Module Overview

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Check Up

Check Your Understanding: Motion & Kinematics