HONORS PHYSICS
PROJECT '97
OBJECTIVE:
To design, build, test and present different apparatus to explore specific
physics concepts.
TIME-LINE:
1) The class will be divided into groups, with the maximum size of the group
being five members. Group membership needs to be cleared with Dr. Allen
by 10 am, Thurs, Sept. 18, 1997. Failure to do so will result in groups being arbitrarily
formed.
2) Groups need to inform Dr. Allen by 10
am, Mon, Sept 22, 1997 as to the specific
projects they will be undertaking.
3) Presentations will occur on Wednesday, October 15, 1997 during the scheduled
lab time.
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:
Each group is to select one project from
the three categories below. The three projects will be graded during the
presentation. The details of the points awarded/deducted will be made available
on the day of the presentation.
1) EGG WALKER: ALL
GROUPS WILL SELECT THIS AS ONE OF THEIR THREE PROJECTS. Build, from recyclable materials, a device that permits
each person, in turn, to walk across a region of fresh eggs. The only non-recyclable
items which can be used to construct the egg walker are: duct tape (or other
means of holding the device together) and "footwear" (some place
for a person to attach to the walker to their feet. Each member of the team
will don the egg walker and without assistance (except for the initial step
onto the eggs) will walk across a region whereeggs filled with eggs will
be placed. Points will be awarded for the following: a) design of the egg
walker; b) the number of successful trips made by each member; and c) the
maximum weight the walker can successfully support on the eggs. Points will
be deducted for the following: a) the number of eggs broken in a given walk
across the eggs; b) failure to use recyclable materials; and c) failure
of the walker to last for the entire presentation.
2) EGG LAUNCHER/LANDER: EACH GROUP WILL SELECT
ONE OF THE TWO PROJECTS LISTED IN THIS SECTION.
A) Egg Launcher: Build, from recylcable materials, a device which will
allow one egg to be launched from "ground" level (0 m < y <
1 m) and to safely land on the ground. The launching can be done by hand
or by some type of "slingshot" arrangement. The flight of the
egg MUST attain a minimum height of 1 m ABOVE ground level to be
considered a successful flight. Each member will launch an egg using the
launch system developed. There is a time limit of 2 min for the opening
of the launcher for the examination of the egg (i.e., the egg needs to be
able to be put in or taken out in less than 2 minutes). Points will be awarded
for the following: a) design of the launch system; b) the range obtained
in each successful launch & landing of the egg; c) the number of successful
launches and landings possible with the system; and d) the maximum range
possible with the system. Points will be deducted for the following: a)
egg breakage due to launch or landing; b) failure to attain the minimum
flight height of 1 m; c) failure to use recyclable materials; and d) failure
of the system to last long enough for every member to launch at least one
egg.
B) Egg Lander:
Build a device, using only recyclable materials, which will allow an egg
to safely land when thrown from the top of Rankin Science Center (RCC) onto
the concrete below. Each member of the team will throw the lander into the
designated area without breaking the egg. Points will be awarded for the
following: a) the shortest times to land safely; b) landing in the specified
"landing zone"; c) design of the lander; and d) the number of
landings the parachute is able to withstand without breaking the egg. Points
will be deducted for the following: a) failure of the egg to survive the
landing; b) failure of the egg to land within the landing zone; c) failure
to use recyclable materials; and d) failure of the lander to survive long
enough for each member to throw the egg.
3) Modeling of Flight: EACH GROUP WILL SELECT
ONE OF THE TWO PROJECTS LISTED IN THIS SECTION.
A) "Soda" Rockets: Build a device which will launch a 1 L or 2 L soda bottle
from ground level. A bicycle pump or other air compression system will be
used as the basis for the propellant to launch the rocket. The device CANNOT
cost more than $5 per group to cover construction costs. It can be made
of wood or other durable materials. The device must provide for a way to
secure the bottle while "fueling", and a way by which the bottle
can be safely launched without harming the ground crew or any bystanders.
Each member will launch the rocket. Points will be awarded for the following:
a) design: b) maximum height the bottle achieves; and c) explanation of
the physics associated with launched bottle rockets. Points will be deducted
for the following: a) launch system costing more than $5; b) failure of
the system to survive long enough for all members to launch the rocket;
c) failure of the rocket to launch; and d) proper safety precautions not
taken or observed.
B) Wooden Planes: Build a balsa wood plane, propelled by a rubber band.
The cost for the plane(s) is to be less than $5 per group. The plane is
to be design sturdy enough so that each member can put it into flight for
the presentation. Points will be awarded for the following: a) design of
the aircraft; b) maximum range possible; c) the number of successful launches
without the rubber band breaking; and d) explanation of the physics associated
with the aircraft's flight. Points will be deducted for the following: a)
aircraft costing more than $5; b) aircraft not surviving long enough for
all members to fly it; and c) failure of the aircraft to fly.
PHYSICS:
For the above two projects, as complete a picture of the actual situation
is to be modeled by the group. As many "real-life" factors are
to be considered and explained as to their effect on the actual object,
compared to the "classroom" examples. During the presentations,
video will be obtained so that the physics can be compared with the actual
event. It is the goal that a modeling program will be on-line by mid- October
so that the physics can be explored in-depth afterwards.
Additional points may be added/deducted
according the to discretion of the graders.
RULES, REGULATIONS, ETC.:
1) These projects are intended to test your abilities in the area of physics,
engineering, etc. You may "consult" with others, as long as: a)
you acknowledge their assistance, including how much they assisted you;
and b) you keep the consultations to a minimum. The only exception
to this policy are the members of the Honors Calc II class (see below).
2) These are group projects, so every member of the group is expected
to contribute to the best of her/his ability. Grading for the projects will
depend on the following: a) meeting the above objectives; b) my evaluation
of the teamwork exhibited on the project; and c) group self- evaluation
of each member's contribution. The base-line grade for each member will
be the average grade achieved by the group. Adjustments (up or down) will
be made according to the actual contributions made by each member.
3) These projects are not intended to be a competition between groups. Please
keep in mind that I will be evaluating the groups on the basis of their
work relative to the class, not on "winning".
4) Don't wait until Fall Break until beginning the projects. You have four
weeks to complete these projects. That is more than enough time to design,
build, and test your systems. Finishing early gives you time to relax.
FINAL COMMENTS:
I will be giving this list of projects to Dr. Greg Rhodes, Mathematical
Sciences, for his Honors Calc II class. The idea is to have his class model
some of the projects. Then our class will perform the experiments. Then
the classes will compare their successes. Afterwards, each class will make
modifications and see what develops. It may prove useful to talk with members
of the Calc II class to see if they can suggest any improvements ahead of
time.
Finally, if you have any questions about the project, don't hesitate to
ask. I may not be able to give you details, but I may be able to suggest
a thing or two which will help.
GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!