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9th, 10th Grades  Project 3 weeks

"Catapult Craze: Engineering Launch Adventure!"

BJ 3
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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on project to design and construct a functional catapult using plywood, adhering to specific constraints and incorporating power tool safety. They will utilize computer-aided design tools to create detailed models and produce an instruction manual, exploring the intersection of modern technology with traditional engineering methods. The project will provide opportunities to apply Newton's Laws of Motion, fostering a deeper understanding of these fundamental principles and their practical applications. By working collaboratively, students will develop problem-solving skills and gain insights into the iterative nature of engineering design, all while aiming to achieve precise projectile launches. Additionally, students will allocate time for testing their catapults, emphasizing accurate measurement and data collection to refine their designs and improve performance.

Learning goals

Students will design and construct a functional catapult from plywood, adhering to specific constraints and applying principles of engineering design and physics, including Newton's Laws of Motion. They will utilize computer-aided design tools to create detailed models and an instruction manual, integrating these methods with traditional engineering techniques. Throughout the project, students will develop skills in measurement, power tool safety, and lab safety, ensuring accurate data collection and adherence to safety protocols. Students will conduct thorough testing of their catapults, emphasizing precise measurement techniques to evaluate performance and make necessary adjustments.
Standards
  • NGSS - HS-PS2-1: Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
  • NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.1: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
  • NGSS - HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a functional catapult using plywood, adhering to specific constraints and incorporating power tool safety practices. They will produce detailed CAD models and physical prototypes, iteratively testing and refining their designs to achieve precise projectile targeting, with an emphasis on measurement accuracy during testing sessions. An instruction manual will be created using the CAD drawings to document the design and construction process. Throughout the project, students will maintain a digital engineering journal, highlighting how Newton's Laws of Motion influence their catapult's performance. The final product will be a presentation showcasing their catapult's accuracy, design evolution, and the integration of physics principles.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging demonstration of a working catapult launching a projectile towards a target, sparking curiosity and excitement. Following the demonstration, facilitate a discussion where students brainstorm and share initial ideas on how the catapult functions, focusing on engineering design and physics principles. Introduce the project challenge and essential questions, encouraging students to consider how they will use computer-aided design and Newton's Laws of Motion in their own catapult designs. Emphasize the importance of power tool safety and provide a brief overview of the constraints they must adhere to when constructing their catapults from plywood. Allocate time for initial testing and emphasize precise measurement techniques during these trials to ensure accurate data collection.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their catapult designs in a "Launch Day" event, where they will demonstrate their projects to peers, teachers, and family members. Each team will present their design process, highlighting how computer-aided design and engineering principles were applied, and display their instruction manuals created from CAD drawings. They will conduct live demonstrations, aiming to hit specific targets to illustrate the practical application of Newton's Laws of Motion, while emphasizing precise measurement and data collection during testing. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the students, ask questions, and learn about the challenges and successes encountered during the project. This exhibition will culminate in a reflection session where students discuss what they learned and how they might further refine their designs.