PHYSICS
LAUNCHER PROJECT
Due Date 12-19-13
Objective:
Design and build a mechanical device that will launch a standard golf ball a distance of at least 5 meters in the air and clear a vertical height of at least 2.43 meters using only gravity as an energy source.
· The project will be done in groups of two or three students from the same class period and teacher.
· Gravitational potential energy may be transformed into other forms before the ball is launched, but the process must be self-operating.
· Some means of field adjustment MUST be incorporated to change the range and aim.
Field Trials
The devices are required to perform according to the following specifications at the field trials, held on the soccer practice fields on the assigned due date.
Specifications: (For more detail refer to the Requirements Document.)
Produce a device that will launch a golf ball that will meet the following requirements.
1. The ball must travel a minimum of 5 meters in the air and clear a vertical height of 2.43 meters.
2. The device must be able to re-launch the golf ball within 5 minutes of the original launch of the golf ball.
3. The launch must be self-operating. (In other words the user cannot assist in the operation of the device other than initiating the launch)
Brochure
Write a brochure/pamphlet detailing the following.
1. Materials used.
2. Physics laws/concepts involved.
3. Photographs of the building process.
4. Answers to the questions at the bottom of this sheet.
Grading:
· The project will count as 1 major grade
· Field trials will be graded on the accomplishment of the objectives and meeting the required specifications according to the provided Field Trial Grading Rubric, with extra credit given for outstanding design, exemplary engineering, and launching the farthest distance with the highest accuracy.
Notes:
· All projects MUST be of your own construction and design out of found/recycled materials. No KITS ALLOWED!!!
· Students will supply their own standard golf ball projectile, plus all materials, tools, and spare parts.
· Bring Your Grading Rubric during the field trial day for grading purposes. Messy, crumpled or written-on rubrics will not be accepted. Print out a new one the morning of the field trials.
· Design it!, Build It!, TEST IT! TEST IT! TEST IT! TEST IT! And TEST IT again.
· If you run into design or construction problems, bring it to your instructor ahead of time (not the morning of the due date) for help.
· Students may work in pairs or as a group of three. Once a decision is made about who you are working with, that decision may not change. If a group member does not contribute to the project, it must be brought to the teacher’s attention before the due date.
Golf Ball Launcher
Requirements
The Golf Ball Launcher will be built by groups of two or three students using your own materials that are found/recycled. You may purchase hardware such as nails, screws, glue, etc. You are more than welcome to share tools and ideas, but the actual construction of the device must be done by the group. This project will require hard work, time, and trial and error, so it is very important to not procrastinate and wait until the last minute. Many designs are available, but know that any purchased kit is NOT ALLOWED and probably would not meet the specifications anyway. It is important to THOROUGHLY test your project before the field trial day. Your Golf Ball Launcher must meet the following specifications:
1. No component, either moving or stationary, can be taller than 1 meter high and the base can be no larger than the top of a standard size student desk in the classroom.
2. The ball must travel a minimum horizontal distance of 5 meters in the air from the launch point (bouncing and rolling along the ground does not count).
3. The power source for the launcher can only be gravity. No elastic bands, springs, flexible pipe, or other such material may be used in the primary operation of the launcher. However if gravity is used to energize such components, then they may be used. (please consult the instructor if you are not sure).
4. Your group name and class period MUST be permanently displayed on your machine.
Answer the following questions:
1. What difficulties did you encounter while constructing the machine? How did you resolve those difficulties?
2. Describe how the concepts of force, simple machines and energy applied to the performance of your machine. Your response should include (but not be limited to) terms like velocity, GPE and KE energy, acceleration, and force.
Golf Ball Launcher Field Trial Grading Rubric
Name______Period___ Grade _____%
1. Put your group’s name and period on this sheet.
2. When ready for trials, bring this sheet to the instructor.
3. Credit will not be awarded until all materials and equipment is removed from the field trial area.
Pts. Awarded
Gravity powered (30 points) ______
Functionality (Repeatable results) (10 points) ______
Meets Specifications (20 points each)
Size Limitations ______Passes over horizontal bar (Y/N) ______
5 Meter distance (Y/N) ______
Total ______
Write a brochure/pamphlet detailing the following. (40 points):
A: Materials used. ______
B: Physics laws/concepts involved (be specific: mention forces, gravity, etc). ______
C: Photographs of the building process. ______
D: Answers to the questions at the bottom of the requirements page. ______
______
EXTRA CREDIT: (10 points max)
Hit in center of Target (10 pts) Y/N ______
Outstanding Design (0-5 pts) ______
Exemplary Engineering (0-5 pts) ______
Total E.C. ______
Grand Total ______