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One activity from this course that allowed me to maximize the use of my scientific skills and attitudes would be “Performance Task 1: Projectile Launcher (PT1).” In this particular activity, we were tasked with constructing a catapult using materials present at home. We would then have to launch a projectile using the catapult, as part of an experiment with two independent variables and a dependent variable of our choice. Personally, upon being assigned with this task, I found it to be very challenging. This is because numerous items had to be filled up in the lab report that accompanied PT1, and when I had a similar project be assigned in Junior High School, it was done in groups.
However, I did not let those “bumps in the road” stop me from accomplishing such a daunting task. To explain even further, I remained determined and persevering all throughout the preparation of the catapult. Additionally, I made sure to stay patient even if I encountered difficulties in creating the structure of the catapult itself, and in the testing proper. This is because it is through exhibiting these scientific attributes that I may be able to properly execute the experiment, and complete the requirements for the first performance task.
Later on, my attitude paid off, and helped me achieve the objectives of PT1, since I was able to create a functional catapult, determine the relationship between the launch angle and the horizontal displacement achieved by a projectile, and the relationship between the mass of a projectile, on its horizontal displacement upon being launched. Furthermore, I was also really satisfied upon finish the whole activity, as I was able to create a comprehensive and informative report on the various findings I had all throughout the performance task.
Looking back at PT1 now, I think that the activity can be more challenging through giving students the option to also test how high a projectile can go vertically, and observe how adjusting the launch angle of such affects its vertical displacement. Moving on to the ways as to how the performance task can be made more interesting and enjoyable, I think that students can be given the option to hold a contest within their class to see who has the most well-designed catapult, in terms of aesthetics and overall projectile launching capability. Even though this may be a small task, it could serve as a means of strengthening the bond between the class through funs events.
These are the dimensions of my catapult!
Here are the specifications of the other catapult's arm and the projectiles :>
This is an image of the catapult in action!
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