Projects
Fall/Spring (Physics/Pre-AP Physics)
Physics projects will range from short term to long term and may involve individual work as well as group work. Some projects will be hands-on or building projects. Some projects may be library research projects. These will be determined as the topics arise in class. Due dates and grading scales will be indicated with project description.
There will be a building project every six weeks. All projects will be given out at the beginning of the year. Each project, except the bridge building project, will be done in partners. Toothpicks will be provided for the bridge. Each six weeks building project will count as one major grade.
If funding permits, we will attend some construction competitions. To be eligible to attend, you will have to build some competitive apparatus.
Tentative Schedule of Projects
Project 1: Fish Weight Powered Car
Student pairs will build a “car” out of trash (No more than $2.00 may be spent to fashion the “car”.) that is powered by a fish weight provided by the instructor. See rule sheet for specific instructions.
Due: September 29, 2008
Project 2: Balloon Car
Student pairs will build a “car” out of trash (No more than $2.00 may be spent to fashion the “car”.) that is powered by a balloon provided by the instructor. See rule sheet for specific instructions.
Due: November 10, 2008
Project 3: Sailing, Sailing
Student pairs will build a sailboat that will traverse a gutter in the shortest time. See rule sheet for specific instructions.
Due: January 12, 2009
Project 4: Toothpick Bridges
Toothpick bridges will be built by each student according to the specifications provided. Toothpicks will be provided by instructor. See rules for specific instructions.
Due: February 23, 2009
Project 5: Rube Goldberg Machine
Each student will construct a Rube Goldberg machine that will accomplish a simple task using many different steps and a variety of types of energy. See attached sheet for specific instructions.
Due: April 17, 2009
Project 6: Catapult
Student pairs will construct a catapult that will project a tennis ball exactly 10 meters. See attached sheet for specific project requirements.
Due: May 26, 2009