Kimberly Harris
Sharondia McCarter
Lalaine Harris
Summer science institute 2010 - physics
Note: This lesson is a unit review and will take 2.5 – 3 class periods to complete.
Objective: Students will use their knowledge of physical science in order to create a catapult.
Materials: a series of dominoes set up in a visible location l l l l l l l …, a spot marked that is level with and 10 ft. from the dominoes an open space with two marked lines, spaced 10 ft. apart
hart paper, markers, tape
Engagement (7min.): Pose the following problem. Have students think (1 min.) share with team (2-3 min.) and then share out with class (3ish min.)
With your team devise a way to knock down the dominoes from a distance of 10 ft. You may use any items that you have in your desk or backpack as long as they are not sharp. You may not throw anything at the dominoes yourself.
Exploration (15-20 min.): Have students gather their chosen materials and go to their assigned spots along one of the lines in the open area. Students then try out their ideas. They are to consider themselves successful if they can get a projectile to the line 10 ft. away. As students work, teacher circulates among the groups and has students explain their ideas using concepts from the physical science unit. Teacher poses questions designed to keep each group thinking, explaining, and refining their ideas.
Explanation (20-25 min.): Students have 5 min. in their teams to create (on chart paper) a T chart titled:What worked (why) IWhat didn’t work (why).Teams will hang their charts where others can see them. Each team will present the material on their chart to the class. The teacher will ask students to notice similarities and differences among the charts and will guide a discussion of the ideas based on scientific principals learned.
Elaboration- intro. (10 min.): Explain to the students that they will be working in their teams to create a catapult that will throw a ping pong ball farther than the other teams’ catapults. Pass out a copy of the rules for the activity and go over them (or write them on the board.)
Rules:All catapults must be built at school during class time. Kits are not allowed. Catapults may not use electrical energy. Catapults may not use nails, screws, or bolts in construction. Catapults may not incorporate factory-made spring-loaded devices. (Ex. Mousetraps)
Elaboration –day 2 (60 min.) Review objective and rules with students. Students will have the entire period to work on their catapults. Be sure to create a safe testing area for teams to check their results as they are working.
Evaluation – day 3 (30-40 min.)Establish a level and clear area for testing catapults. Before firing catapults, students must present their project and explain the physics involved in its construction. Teacher rewards team with 0 - 20 bonus points based on the accuracy and thoroughness of the explanation.
Each team will then test their catapult three times. Each time, a mark is made where the ping pong ball landed. Team is given credit for the greatest distance of the three trials. Record the distance for each team’s ball on a chart. Students are to watch the trials for each team.