Projectile Motion Competition
Instructions
Students will be tasked with designing, building, and using a device that demonstrates projectile motion. There are a few rules that must be followed when creating the device as listed below:
- The device will use a spring as the projectile
- The device must be able to launch the projectile at three different angles (30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 55 degrees)
- The device will be used in a competition to demonstrate its capabilities
Students are free to choose materials used in the construction of the device as well as any aesthetic choices. However, all such considerations should be explained in a report on the design/construction process even if it is as simple as, "We liked the way it looked."
This project combines several concepts covered in this section including projectile motion and forces. It also includes topics such as potential energy which is covered in the following unit. As such, this project will not necessarily take place within the Dynamics unit, though with student research it is possible.
At the end of the project students will have a chance to demonstrate the capabilities of their device in a competition that tests the distance and accuracy of the device. A target will be given at various distances and students will be asked to land their projectile at the target location. The teacher will request from the students to change the angle of the projectile in addition to changing the distance of the target.