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As students prepared for.....
As students prepared for.....
Explore the New Manufacturing Film contest and researched our Manufacturer/Partner FCX, the girls watched clips of military aircraft taking off from aircraft carriers. Based on the basic principles of a catapault, we challenged the class to design working catapaults that launch styrofoam airplanes. Working with recycled materials, the girls found ways to get the foam planes up to a speed that helped them achieve lift and flight.
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Lesson Title: Building a Catapult Airplane Launcher
Objective: Students will design and build a catapult to launch a paper airplane, focusing on understanding the principles of force and motion.
Materials:
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Small cup or container
- Hot glue gun
- Tape
- Foam toy airplanes
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
-Cardboard
Procedure:
1. Introduction
- Begin the lesson by discussing the basic principles of force and motion, explaining how a catapult works to launch an object through the use of stored energy and release of tension.
- Show students examples of different types of catapults and their uses, such as medieval siege weapons and modern aircraft launch systems.
2. Design and Planning
- Have students work in small groups to brainstorm and sketch out designs for their catapults.
- Encourage students to consider factors such as size, strength, and launch angle in their designs.
3. Construction
- Provide students with the materials and tools needed to build their catapults.
- Remind students to work carefully and double-check measurements to ensure their catapults are sturdy and functional.
4. Testing and Adjustments
- Have students test their catapults by launching foam toy airplanes and measuring the distance traveled.
- Encourage students to make adjustments to their catapults to improve performance, such as changing the tension of rubber bands or adjusting the angle of the launch.
5. Reflection
- Lead a class discussion on the results of the catapult tests, asking students to share their observations and insights.
- Have students reflect on what they learned about force and motion through the design and construction of their catapults.
6. Extension Activity:
- Challenge students to modify their catapult designs to achieve a specific goal, such as launching the airplane the farthest distance or hitting a target.
- Encourage students to continue experimenting and refining their catapults to improve performance.
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