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Home » Sport Science » Javelin Throwing STEM Challenge

Javelin Throwing STEM Challenge

Published: Jul 10, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

We’re getting ready for the 2024 Olympics with a fun javelin STEM challenge. A javelin is a light spear thrown by hand. In athletics, it is a field event where competitors try to throw it as far as possible.

A great javelin throw is a combination of the thrower’s strength and ability and physics! Competitors need to consider several factors.

Release angle – an angle of around 40 degrees is thought to be optimal for a javelin throw.

Release height – generally, the higher the release, the better.

Javelin speed – the faster the javelin is moving when it’s released the further it will travel.

This simple STEM challenge is a great introduction to setting up an investigation to be a fair test. Children can choose a factor to test and then keep all other variables the same. We investigated whether the length of a javelin affected how far it flew, which meant we had to try to keep the release angle, release height and speed of the javelin the same.

Paper Javelin STEM Challenge

We made three different sized paper javelins by rolling paper into thin tubes and then experimented by throwing the ‘javelins’ at different angles.

Paper javelins for a STEM challenge

You’ll need

A4 paper

Scissors

Space to throw

Chalk

Tape measure

Tape

Instructions

Roll one piece of A4 paper as tightly as possible and secure with tape.

Use tape to join two sheets of A4 paper end to end and roll them up.

Use tape to join three sheets of A4 paper end to end and roll them up.

Throw each javelin three times from the same spot and measure how far each javelin travels. Try to keep the release angle and force used in the throw the same.

small boy throwing a paper javelin for a STEM challenge

Record how far each javelin travels to determine which size javelin travels the furthest.

Javelin STEM Challenge Extension Tasks

Experiment by throwing the javelins from different release angles.

Javelin Throw STEM Challenge Instructions
Javelin throw STEM Challenge instructions

More sports science ideas for kids

If you’re a tennis fan, try one of my easy tennis themed science activities.

My 10 football themed STEM challenges are fun indoor and outdoor science activities for kids of all ages.

Test your reaction time with a simple science demonstration.

Javelin throwing STEM challenge

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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