Challenge: Building a Mechanical System
Objective: To design and construct a mechanical system that will launch a large
marshmallow towards a specific target that is placed at least 2 meters away.
What to Do:
1. Conduct research on various catapult designs.
Discuss with your partner(s) and sketch out a prototype.
2. Design and build a launching device that fits
the following criteria:
- It must consist of at least
2 simple machines (excluding screws) used purposefully.
- Size limit: base must fit onto an 8 ½” x 11” piece
of paper; max. height 30 cm.
- There must be a triggering
mechanism; holding the arm down by hand is NOT allowed.
- It should be designed to optimize the launch (i.e. covering
sufficient distance and with accurate aim).
- You may use any materials (excluding purchased sets of premade
catapults) that you like but you must provide them yourselves.
3. Submit a written
report which includes an explanation of how the simple machines work
together to accomplish the task, include labeled diagrams of the mechanical
system. Be sure to incorporate key terms from this unit.
Launch Dates:
__________________________________Report Due Date: _______________
Assessment:
Catapult IB Criterion A: One World
Achievement level
|
Level descriptor
|
Examples
|
|
IB
|
Ont.
|
||
0
|
R
|
· The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
|
· Device does not consist of at least two
simple machines.
|
1 – 2
|
1 – 2
|
· The student states how science is applied
and how it may be used to address a specific problem.
|
· Device consists of at least two simple
machines, but has difficulty accomplishing the task.
|
3 – 4
|
3- – 3+
|
· The student describes how science is
applied and how it may be used to address a specific problem.
|
· Device consists of at least two simple
machines that work together to accomplish the task.
|
5 – 6
|
4- – 4+
|
· The student explains how science is
applied and how it may be used to address a specific problem.
|
· Device is a mechanical system that
incorporates purposefully of at least 3 simple machines; accomplishes the
task effectively (with distance and accuracy), and with minimal waste of
materials or energy.
|
Written Report
IB Criterion
B: Communication in science
Achievement level
|
Level descriptor
|
Examples
|
|
IB
|
Ont.
|
||
0
|
R
|
· The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
|
· Written report is incomplete.
|
1 – 2
|
1 – 2
|
· The student communicates scientific
information with limited effectiveness.
|
· Written report is somewhat complete;
incorporating very few or some key terms from the unit.
|
3 – 4
|
3- – 3+
|
· The student communicates scientific
information with some effectiveness.
|
· Written report is mostly complete;
incorporating key terms from the unit.
|
5 – 6
|
4- – 4+
|
· The student communicates scientific
information effectively.
|
· Written report thorough and detailed; incorporating
many relevant key terms from the unit.
|
“Angry Birds” Scoring Guide
Rules for the day
of the launch:
- Device must be able to stand independently
on the surface (i.e. you cannot hold it). You are also NOT allowed to
angle it using other materials (i.e. tilt it with a binder).
- Triggering mechanism SHOULD be used
(penalty for lack of a trigger).
- Each team will have ONE practice launch, then
FIVE chances to launch at the target. Only the top 3 scores will count.
- Total score is calculated by device score + launching score (see below).
Device score:
#
of simple machines
(excluding
screws)
|
Triggering
mechanism
|
Minimum
launching distance
|
|||
1
2
3
3 +
|
1 pt
2 pts
3 pts
4 pts
|
No
Yes
|
0
2 pts
|
< 1 m
1+ m
|
1pt
2 pts
|
Launching score:
Hitting
a pig DIRECTLY
|
Hitting
any part of the structure
|
Knocking
down a pig
(due
to impact)
|
5 pts
|
2 pts
|
2 pts
|
Conversion Chart:
Final
Score
|
Level
|
Meaning…
|
|
2
|
1
|
LEVEL FAILED! *Snort*snort*snort
|
|
3 - 9
|
2
|
||
10 – 14
|
3
|
LEVEL
CLEARED! ★
|
|
15 – 19
|
4
|
||
20 – 22
|
5
|
YAY!
LEVEL CLEARED! ★★
|
|
23 +
|
6
|
YIPEE!!!
LEVEL CLEARED! ★★★
|
