Landing Device B

Lesson Plan: 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 

• 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.