Python Studio · project 14 of 18 · premium, free for now

Project: the bouncing ball

Move the ball 20 steps. If x goes above 100, set x to 200 - x and reverse the speed; if x goes below 0, set x to -x and reverse the speed. Count the bounces. Print the final x, then the number of bounces.

Learn

Animation is just position changing a little at a time. Move x by speed each step. When the ball passes a wall, reflect it: put it back inside by the same distance it went past, and flip the speed's sign. Counting the bounces tells you how long the ball has been travelling.

Your task

Stretch challenge

Let the ball also move up and down, and print the (x, y) position each step.

← Project: a smiley factory Project: a ball's path →

Python

Press Run to see what your program prints.

Keep going in Python Studio

Project: a ball's path

Place a dot at (x, 150 - x * x / 150) for x from -150 to 150 in steps of 10, cycling through at least 3 colours.

Start →16

Project: free fall

Drop from a height of 80 metres. Print the height after each whole second while it is above ground, like After 0 s: 80 m, then Landed after 4 s.

Start →

Practise the idea

🎱 Play Gravity Sums

Drop a ball through a Plinko board into the bin with the correct answer.

Play now

FAQ

Project: the bouncing ball: common questions

I am stuck. What can I do?

Press Hint for a nudge, read the message next to each goal, and compare your code with the lesson text. If you still need it, Show answer reveals a model solution. Try to type it yourself rather than copy it.

Does my work get saved?

Your ticks and XP are saved in this browser, and in your account if you log in. The code you type is not stored on a server.

Start a conversation

Enjoying coding? Meet a teacher.

Tell us the learner's age, country and what they would like to build, and we will suggest a class. A parent or guardian can make the enquiry.

Tell us the learner’s age or grade and goals
We’ll suggest a suitable class or learning path
We’ll confirm format, timing and fees with a parent or guardian

Play it, don't just read it

Write some code right now

Free games that need no sign-up. Pick one and play for five minutes.

All free games →

Pick a game

Today's maths challengeFive questions · the same for everyone today · keep your streak goingPlay