Roller Ball

Engineering / Innovations and Inventions Design Brief

Objective -

To learn the difference between potential and kinetic energy. To learn to use different forces of prime movers.

To work independently or cooperatively. To learn to brainstorm (lens smashing) and develop problem solving skills. Make decisions using trial and error. Work within a given amount of time. Work with only materials given.

Problem -

Students will design and construct a device that will control the fall of a marble, allowing the marble to travel as slow as possible.

Note :If Roller Ball is going to be used for the Firemouse II and the Firemouse III, a goal of 20 seconds should be established for a average time.

Limits -

One class period of research and planning.

One class period of construction to complete their Roller Ball.

The use of no power tools.

If teams are used they will be pick at random.

Materials -

One 18" x 24" cardboard vertical base. One cardboard soda flat

One standard marble

Cardboard tubing for rails or track (paper towel tubes work great)

Poster board for rails or track

Tools -

Xacto knife

Hot melt glue

Scissors

No Power tools used

Limitations -

Use materials provided. Students may be creative and supply their own additional materials with instructor discretion.

The marble will be dropped on to or into the "marble maze" from one corner and the marble will exit the maze on the opposite corner.

Once the marble is dropped, the device must fall without human help.

Testing -

The operator gets three attempts to operate the Roller Ball. Each attempt will be timed in seconds. Student will average the three attempts.

First attempt __________________ seconds

Second attempt ________________ seconds

Third attempt __________________ seconds

Average Time __________________ seconds

Evaluation of the Roller Ball will be determined by the following, in three categories.

Evaluation 1 -

Participation, work effort, and conduct graded by instructor. = 1 - 10 points

Points scored ________________________

Evaluation 2 -

Student or team with the slowest average time = 20 points

Student or team with the second slowest average time = 18 points

Student or team with the third slowest average time = 17 points

The rest of the field = 16 points

Roller Ball did not achieve its goal = 13 points

No Roller Ball submitted = 0 points

Points scored ________________________

Evaluation 3 - Subjective judgement -

On uniqueness of designs, the instructor may award a 1-10 points for creative solutions This score will be used in case there is a tie.

Student Name(s) __________________________________________________________________

Total Points scored ________________________