• The purpose of the projects is to encourage the students to engage in the engineering process.
• It is suggested that students make the process cyclic rather than linear.  Students should design, build, test, redesign, modify, retest. This process should be repeated as long as time allows.
• Students are encouraged (but not required) to work with a partner.  Most engineers are not isolated but work as part of a team.  Being able to work with others toward a common goal is a valuable skill to develop.  Choosing a partner is not always an easy task.  One should consider  reliability, work ethic and schedules rather than grade point or friendship.  Choosing to work with a friend does not always result in a quality project and can often strain relationships.

Physics Project #1
Rube Goldberg Apparatus

Goal:

• To build a contraption which flips a coin (random orientation).

• At least four separate events must take place (grade C)
• Project must fit on lab table or a video tape of 5 continuous trials must be brought.

A Rube Goldberg device is one that takes a simple task for humans and does it much less efficiently with a machine.  The object is not to make an efficient machine, but one that dazzles and is interesting to watch.  There must be at least three different events that take place prior to the coin being flipped.  The coin flip may be the fourth event.  An event consists of a moving part causing something else to move in some way.  A ball rolling down a ramp, and then rolling down a different ramp would qualify as only one event.  It is not necessary, but would be highly commendable, if the machine would start, flip the coin, and then go through the same series of steps without human intervention.  In other words, it would be nice if it could fit in the display case, be turned on, and continue to operate throughout the day for the viewing pleasure of the passerby.  Any coin or object of similar dimensions may be flipped.  That would make it possible to drill or otherwise deface an object that is not legal currency.  Slugs are acceptable which mean magnets could be used in the device.

Work backwards from the coin flip.

• Reliability - Does it work every time?
• Innovation degree of complication, the write up, and other subjective qualities.  The only quantitative criteria will be adherence to the number of events that occur prior to the coin flip.  The more there is to see, the better the project is.  A one page write-up with a diagram and explanation will be turned in.  Projects left in the room past the due date will be marked off.  (5 pts. a day)
• Extra points will be awarded for early arrivals.

Purpose:

To build the lightest pasta bridge that will carry a load of 5 lb.

• 43.5cm-50cm
• This is where most mistakes are made.

5 lb. cylinder with a 7cm diameter.

• Bridge is placed on supporting abutments.
• Load is placed on center of bridge for a minimum of 10 seconds.
• Surviving bridges will then be massed.

• Any type of pasta (no lasagna)
• Any type of adhesive (no tape)

• Bridge will be evaluated based on the mass and whether or not the load was successfully held.  The lower the mass the higher the grade.
• The bridge will be disqualified if the load is not held or inappropriate materials are used.
• Total number of trials will also be recorded.  (the more the better)
• Each group will submit a written design of their best bridge.
• Creativity will also be rewarded.
• Points will be deducted for leaving a mess or touching other peoples bridges.

• At least one bridge must be tested before 3:00 pm on Nov.  ______.
• At least two bridges must be tested before 3:00 pm on Dec. ______.
• At least one bridge must survive the loading.
• Each group will be allowed only one recorded test each day.
• Only tests witnessed by a member of the Physics Staff will be recorded.

• Many good bridges never survive the trip to school.
•  Plan   (materials-design-workmanship)

Purpose:

• To design and build a device that will propel a ping-pong ball into a bucket.  Design and build a trigger to activate the catapult.

• The ball must start a horizontal distance of between 2.5 - 2.6 m from the front of the bucket.
• No part of the catapult may at any time be less than 2.0 m from the bucket.
• The ball must enter the bucket on the fly directly from the catapult or from any number of bounces with the floor.
• The trigger must be set before each shot.(Hint: a quick trigger allows for more shots during the time period)
• More than one ball may be fired at a time.
• The balls may not be damaged.
• The catapult must be one unit. (no loose parts)
• No air powered projects are allowed.

• Bucket: 5 gallons
• Height 36 cm  (14in)
• Diameter 28 cm  (11in)

• Standard ping-pong ball.

• Meeting of criteria and deadline.
• Number of balls made into the bucket in two minutes. (A catapult that is easy to operate and reliable will be rewarded.)
• Creativity of design.
• Quality of work.
• Write up (This should include materials used, diagram, special features etc.)
• Projects brought in the week prior to the due date will be awarded a five ball bonus for any recorded trials.  This is an incentive to encourage people to get the project done early.  Most projects which are brought in the week prior to the due date show more than a five ball increase in performance by the final due date.  Thus the effect of the bonus is usually more than five balls.

Purpose:

• To design and build a mouse trap powered vehicle to travel a maximum linear horizontal distance.

• Vehicle may only be powered by one regular mousetrap.
• Mouse trap spring may not be strengthened.
• No rat traps.
• Mouse trap must be set and activated.    (you may make your own trigger)
• Mouse trap must be located on vehicle.
• Axel-driven type only.
• Nothing may touch the ground except the wheels.
• No toy vehicles or parts there of.

• Prepare vehicle for test.
• Carry out tests. Each team will be allowed at least one test and as many tests as time will allow during the class period
• Distance will be measured in a straight line from the starting line to the farthest point reached minus the distance the vehicle varies from the intended path.

• Maximum distance
• Creativity and Design
• Write up (This should include materials used, diagram, special features etc.)
• Projects brought in the week prior to the due date will be awarded a five foot bonus for any recorded trials.  This is an incentive to encourage people to get the project done early.  Most projects which are brought in the week prior to the due date show more than a five foot increase in performance by the final due date.  Thus the effect of the bonus is usually more than five feet.