Blowing up watermelons and pumpkins with rubber bands is a popular K-12 demonstration of the conversion of spring potential energy into kinetic energy. Although there are informal investigations into this demo, no systematic studies in peer-reviewed journals exist. We examine a large data set (>800 busted pumpkins) collected by Jon Orr, a Canadian math teacher who authored a Desmos activity on learning scatter plots using this fun demo. We also conduct our own independent experiments, to verify some surprising relationships in this exciting demo. We share our findings and lesson plans that can be used either in the classroom or in K-12 outreach events.

Smashing Pumpkins

PAR-D.08  Pre High School 

technical paper

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


AAPT SM 20

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

Tonya Coffey

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Smashing Pumpkins