GRADE 8 SCIENCE PROJECT: BUILD A PERISCOPE
This project is due on Wednesday, May 20
Your project is to build a periscope that works. You will have one class to work in the computer lab, followed by three classes in the classroom (to plan and build your periscope and do the write-up). This project is to be done in pairs (no groups larger than two!). This project will be marked out of a total of 55 points.
Class One (in the computer lab)
Find instructions for building a periscope, on the internet. The instructions must be instructions for a periscope that you can build, and the only materials that you will be provided with are two small mirrors. All other materials you will need to get yourself, so make sure that any materials you will need are things that you could easily get at home. Print the instructions for the periscope off of the internet, and record the web address of the website where you found those instructions in the space below.
Also find an explanation of how a periscope works, that you understand, and be sure that you can draw a diagram that shows how light moves through a periscope. You may print a copy of the explanation and diagram if you wish. List the website or websites that you used for the explanation in the space below.
Class Two (planning in the classroom)
Make a list of the materials that you will need for your periscope, in the space below. You will need to bring these materials to class for Class Three of the project (TOMORROW!). Do not forget materials like tape and scissors. Do not forget that the only materials you are being given are two small mirrors. Make sure you know who is bringing what to class in order to build the periscope.
Class Three (building your periscope in the classroom)
Use this class to build your periscope, and be sure that it works! Make sure that you do not leave any mess in the classroom, and be sure to take materials like scissors home with you.
Your periscope should be neatly constructed, so that it looks good and functions easily without falling apart. Make sure the full names of the group members are written on the periscope.
Class Four (finish your write-up)
Use this class to do your write-up. Your write-up is simply the answers to the following questions, neatly written or typed on a piece of paper.
Questions:
1. (1 point) What is a periscope?
2. (1 point) Give one specific situation where a periscope could be used.
3. (3 points) Explain, IN YOUR OWN WORDS, how a periscope works. Include a diagram that shows how light moves through a periscope.
4. (3 points) Make a sketch of your periscope, that shows its basic proportions, and the openings of the periscope (holes). Use dotted lines to show where the mirrors are in your periscope, and label the mirrors.
5. (4 points) Name at least two problems that you had while building your periscope, and write down how you solved those problems.
6. (4 points) Look at the instructions for building a periscope that you got from the internet (and used to build your periscope). Write down at least two ways to make those instructions easier to follow.
7. (4 points) Please rewrite the following
a) the web address of the website where you found your periscope instructions
b) the web address of the website or websites where you found your explanation of how a periscope works
c) your list of materials
PLEASE PASS IN
-a copy of the instructions that you used to build your periscope (worth 5 points)
-the write-up (20 points)
-your periscope (30 points if it works and does not fall apart)