⚛️ Physics principles

Zero gravity

In Bounceplot, there's no gravity. The ball travels in perfectly straight lines between bounces, making the initial launch angle the most critical factor.

Perfect elastic collisions

Every bounce conserves 100% of the ball's energy. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, creating predictable patterns.

Angle of reflection

When the ball hits a surface, it bounces at the exact same angle it arrived. This principle allows you to predict complex multi-bounce paths.

🎯 Strategy tips

Reading the launch arrow

The arrow indicates the exact launch angle. Since there's no gravity, the ball will continue in this direction until it hits an obstacle.

Using the grid

Each grid square represents a fixed distance. Use these reference points to estimate where the ball will land after each bounce.

Working backwards

If you know the number of bounces required, use it to narrow down the potential trajectories the ball could realistically travel.

The sketch kit

The sketch kit is free, and it is how you solve the board: your first line follows the launch arrow to the first surface, then each new line starts where the last ended. Mirror the angle at every bounce — the dial shows it — and lock in the zone your last line reaches.

🎓 In the classroom

Physics concepts

Bounceplot runs on one rule: no gravity, straight lines, perfectly elastic bounces, and angle in equals angle out — the law of reflection.

Mathematical applications

Angle estimation, mirroring and distance on a grid, applied to a board the whole class can argue about.

Classroom integration

Use the daily puzzle as a warm-up: have students explain their reasoning and compare solutions. The full routine is on the For teachers page.