The Projectile Launch Project

Rules

Each team will consist of three students.

Output per team:

Individual work:

Completion of anticipation guide
Completion of concept folders (reviewing simple machines, energy concepts, and historical connections)
Measurement, graphing, and formula practice sheets and quizzes
Journal - in which each student records the research results and findings
Completed paper trebuchet model

Group work:

(1) Cartoon showing a launch or launcher
(9) Concept maps (one for each of the 9 concept clusters)
(1) Comparison matrix (comparing catapult, crossbow, slingshot, trebuchet)
(1) The Timeline Project
(1) Orthographic projections of final model
(1) Construction checklist
(1) Range analysis
(1) Launcher (with checked scoring rubrics for design, completion, accuracy)

Launcher Guidelines:

The range of possible launchers that could be built for this project is wide. Acceptable launchers include micro-miniature models to launch grains of rice up to larger models with launch arms one meter in length.

All devices MUST:

throw an appropriately-sized projectile without the use of explosives or compressed fluids
be constructed in such a way that they can be fired repeatedly without pieces needing to be reattached
have an anchoring system so the machine does not move when it hurls its projectile
have a remote triggering device (so no one is close to the machines when they fire)
be constructed of materials costing less than $20

Time Frame for Unit:

Week 1: Research Week - Construct paper trebuchet model, research options for final model
Week 2: Submit rough draft of launcher design for approval, complete introductory activities
Week 3. Complete Orthographic Projections, Constructions Checklist, and Range Analysis
Week 4: Build and test final model
Week 5: Demonstrate completed models and finish analysis