Design a Ping Pong Ball Protector
Objective: Students will use principles of engineering, design, and physics to create a protective device made from cardboard, tape, dowels, and balloons that will prevent a ping pong ball from being damaged when dropped from a second-floor height.
Materials:
Ping pong balls (1 per group)
Cardboard sheets
Tape (masking or duct tape)
Dowels
Balloons
Duration: 2 hours (can be adjusted based on the availability of time)
Procedure:
Introduction (15 minutes):
Discuss the concept of gravity and free fall.
Introduce the challenge: protecting a ping pong ball from a second-floor drop using limited materials.
Brainstorming (15 minutes):
In small groups, students brainstorm and sketch ideas for their protective device.
Encourage them to think about how different structures and shapes might absorb or deflect impact.
Design & Build (60 minutes):
Groups gather materials and start building their protective devices.
As they work, encourage them to test and refine their designs.
Remind students of the constraints (using only the provided materials) and encourage them to get creative with their solutions.
Testing Phase (20 minutes):
Head to a second-floor location (like a balcony or staircase).
Each group takes a turn dropping their device.
Record the results: Did the ping pong ball survive without any visible damage?
Discussion & Reflection (15 minutes):
Gather the class and discuss the results.
Which designs worked best, and why?
How did the materials used influence the outcome?
What would they do differently next time?
Assessment:
Participation in brainstorming and discussion.
Creativity and innovation in the design process.
Success of the final design in protecting the ping pong ball.
Ability to reflect on the design process, results, and possible improvements.
Extensions:
Introduce additional materials or constraints to modify the challenge.
Explore the physics behind certain successful designs in greater depth.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the lesson, students will:
Understand basic principles of gravity and impact.
Develop problem-solving and collaborative skills.
Gain hands-on experience with the design and testing process.
Reflect on their design choices and learn from both their successes and failures.