I’ve been searching for a projectile motion activity/lab for my physical science class. I completely forgot about this one, and I’ve done it for years. We are going to make catapults from popsicle sticks, hot glue, rubber bands, and a spoon.
I like this lab because the hot glue allows for rapid build and repair, and there is a definite need for repair and modification in this project. The kids typically build the frame from the popsicle sticks and then try to attach the spoon with rubber bands. The spoon is the launcher for the catapult. Usually, they find there is no way to connect the rubber bands, so they start adding little posts. The next problem they encounter is the rubber bands aren’t tight enough so the object doesn’t launch very far. They then tighten the rubber bands and the frame starts to collapse. So they need to go back and reinforce the frame.
At this point one of three things happens.
- The catapult is improved and they start launching marshmallows.
- They realize they can rebuild the catapult rather quickly and so start all over and improve their design.
- The catapult falls apart, they attempt improvements, but basically give up.
The picture isn’t a great example, but it is a starting point.
I’m a Junior High student [7th grade], and I stumbled across this site while looking for a polar molecule diagram. Very helpful. (: I’d also like to say that I’m finding all these posts well done and very interesting.
Keep on going!
Comment by Michaela — March 12, 2009 @ 7:03 pm |
i badly need an activity for projectile. i’ve read your article and i really find it cool and easy to do. pls gve me the instructions in doing this activity…thank u very much!!!! pls mail me soon
Comment by shen — March 22, 2009 @ 2:47 am |
I loved this idea for an activity. I need to integrate both mathematics and science concepts in a lesson. I intend on using quadratic equations and pairing them with the projectile motion. Is there anyway you can send me any more info regarding the activity? Thank you.
Comment by Nicole — April 17, 2009 @ 7:45 pm |
I originally came up with this project for a summer math program I was teaching. The teams had to create a poster with different shapes on it and then using areas of triangles, rectangles, etc, they had to calculate the probability of hitting the shape based on the ration of the area of the shape to the area of the entire poster. They then looked at the number of hits in the shapes compared to the theoretical probability.
I’m not sure how you would know the values to use the quadratic. Typically, if you are solving for d, you would have d=d(0)+ v(i)t+1/2at^2. If you have a phototimer that you can use to determine v(i), you could solve this. I have to think about it some more. Anyone else have any ideas?
Comment by Scott — April 17, 2009 @ 8:22 pm |
hey do you have instructions or a lab writeup for your projectile motion launcher. It looks like fun and I owuld like to use it.
Comment by Daniel vincer — May 27, 2009 @ 10:03 am |
No, sorry I don’t. It’s on my to-do list. My goal was to have them challenge each other to a distance and accuracy contest. This year’s crop didn’t get that far on their own. I will have more if I do this next year. If anyone else has lesson plans to use this, feel free to jump in.
Comment by Scott — May 27, 2009 @ 3:33 pm |