Here's a great way to generate data for science or math lessons that will let everyone have fun . Borrow a radar gun from your local police station, and record speeds of various student activities. We obtained one from the R.C.M.P. Detachment in Fairview, Alberta, who were kind enough to loan it to us for several days. We used it to record the speed of floor hockey slapshots, and it worked very well. Sitting behind a net protected the person using the device, and every shot, regardless of angle or speed, registered on the machine, even through the net. The device gives an instantaneous readout in kilometres per hour; results can be recorded as fast as the students can shoot. The gun we used was about the same size and weight as a cordless drill, and used two rechargeable batteries, which were included with the device. Possible uses for the radar gun might include: Creating scatterplot data for Math 9 ... record slapshot speed vs height. Creating measurements for conversion to miles per hour or metres per second. Analyzing sports performance ... for example, the speed of a golf swing or 100 m dash runner. Generating survey data ... record the speed of vehicles passing the school. With a little imagination, we're sure there are lots more ideas you could come up with to make use of this device. We'd be interested in finding out how you used it ...  your idea! Our thanks to Cpl. Steve Wright of the Fairview R.C.M.P. for making the radar gun available, and to Ms. Sylvie Morice for arranging for the loan, and allowing us to photograph the fun! Jr.High Math | Physics | Science | Main Page Content, Graphics, & Design by Bill Willis 2002 Wunderland Website Design