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Circuit

Challenge:
Create the things you wish existed. ~Unknown


Design and construct a working circuit that responds to user input. The circuit may
perform a utilitarian task or be embedded into an artwork.

Materials available: LittleBits, MakeyMakey boards, LEDs, wires, metal tape,
batteries, conductive thread, conductive fabric, conductive paint, art supplies

In addition to the circuit, your group will also submit an accompanying
physics/process component. This component may be in written, audio, or video
form.

Give a brief overview of the components used in the circuit and how they
interact with each other.
o What is the power source?
o Is it in series or parallel? Why or why not?
o Why is your circuit connected the way that it is?
o Does the order of components matter?
o How does the user open/close the circuit?
Explain your process.
o How did you decide what to do?
o What are some challenges you encountered?
o How did you overcome those challenges?
o What was the most exciting moment in your work?
o What roles did you each take in the process?
o What would you change in your next design?


Degree of difficulty and quality of execution will also be evaluated. If your circuit is
simple, make sure that your execution and your physics/process component are
exceptional.


Time for completion: 2-3 weeks
Content: Parallel and Series Circuits; Ohms Law, Current, Voltage, Resistance
Entry Events: A few inquiry labs with circuit components; TED talk


Forces & Motion Project


In a team of four, design and create a working computer game using Scratch. The
game should exhibit good principles of game design and structure. The objects in
the game should behave according to the laws of physics that govern motion and
forces. Specifically, at some point in the game, there should be evidence of

An object moving at constant velocity
An object accelerating
An object moving in a circular path
An object in freefall
Newtons First Law
Newtons Second Law
Newtons Third Law

Project Job Descriptions


Within your team, each of you will take on a particular role. Below are brief
summaries of each position. Feel free to expand on the roles for your given team.

Project Manager
The primary responsibility of the project manager is to keep the group on task and
on schedule. This individual should have an understanding of what each team
member is responsible for and the estimated timeline of both smaller deadlines as
well as significant deadlines. The project manager should also be mindful that each
group member contributes equally. If someone is not being heard, find a way to
include their opinion. A project manager should be someone who can see the big
picture while also being mindful of daily tasks.

Communications Manager
The primary responsibility of the communications manager is to document the
working process. They should be taking notes during conversations and keeping
records of work so far. The communications manager will be the team member that
communicates directly with headquarters (Dr. Johnson). The most important
attribute of a communications manager is organization.

Artistic Director
The artistic director will be tasked with the final decisions about the visual design of
the game, including the space and the characters. Previous arts experience could be
helpful, but is not required to be a good artistic director. While the laws of physics

must be maintained, the game space could be one of either fantasy or reality. An
ideal artistic director is an individual who enjoys the freedom of artistic pursuits.

Technical Director
The primary responsibility of the technical director is to ensure that the code is
resulting in the actions of interest to the group. They should be comfortable
navigating computer programs and be willing to use the web-based resources to
help the progress of the team. The most important character traits of successful
technical directors are resilience and determination.

Project Portfolio
Throughout the duration of the module, each team will maintain a project portfolio
in the classroom. The portfolio should contain the following items:

Team Contract
o The group contract is a document each team will create together. It
should include the following information:
Team members and their roles
A team code of conduct
A plan for absences
A plan for resolving conflict

Project Concept Work
o Both the Artistic Director and the Technical Director should lead this
work
o A one-sentence description of your game
o Brief descriptions of each of the five elements of the game
o A journey sketch of the game

Project Timeline
o This document(s) should be managed by the Project Manager
o A basic outline of what and when tasks are being accomplished by
each team member
o This is fluid and can change as the work progresses

Project Journal
o This component is the primary responsibility of the Communications
Manager.
o This should be updated daily with new decisions, progress and
conversations.

Glider Challenge
Design, construct, and fly a glider out of balsa wood that will fly the farthest
horizontal distance.

In addition to the glider, your group will also submit an accompanying
physics/process component. This component may be in written, audio, video form.

Give a brief overview of the basic forces acting on a glider.
Comment on how Newtons Laws are seen in the flight of a glider.
Discuss the design features of your glider that assist in achieving a longer
range.
Include all possible measurements of your glider mass, length, width, flight
time, range, etc.
Explain your process
o How did you decide what to do?
o What roles did you each take in the process?
o What would you change in your next design?




Light Challenge

Investigate an optical phenomenon or object as assigned.


Create a media presentation about your topic that includes the following
information:
o Quick history or context of object
o Purpose of the object
o Type of lenses or mirrors used
o Ray diagram of the optics
o Captivating visuals
o References!

Musical Instrument Challenge

Print a playable musical instrument.


Create a media presentation about your instrument that includes the
following information:
o Explain how the instrument makes sounds.
o Explain how the instrument makes different sounds.
o A recording of the instrument being played.
o References

Microscope Challenge

Build the microscope according to the directions provided.


Create a media presentation about your microscope that includes the
following information:
o Determine the type of lens used. Explain your logic.
o Experimentally determine the magnification of your microscope.
o Capture a variety of images with your microscope.
o Draw a ray diagram for your microscope.



To complete this work, think about dividing up the tasks:

Construction (1-2 people)

Research and Media (1-2 people)









Challenge: Save the Eggs!


You and your team will work together to design and construct a device to protect a
raw egg dropped from Main Terrace. You will have a limited amount of resources,
so planning and creativity is a must. The drop will occur in class on Wednesday,
March 11. The written report will be due on Thursday, March 12.

Performance and Design Expectations:
The egg must survive the fall. No breakage or cracks!
The container must be able to be opened to insert and remove the egg.
The container must fit on a regular size sheet of paper. There is no
restriction on height.
Only the allowed materials may be used. However, items can be negotiated
and traded with other teams.
Only one egg will be provided for the final test. If your team is interested in
trial runs, you must supply your own eggs.
Higher points will be awarded for lighter and smaller devices but be
careful! Devices that are too light or too small will likely not adequately
protect the egg.

Report Expectations
Must include all relevant technical details of your device:
o List of materials used
o A drawing of your device
o Length measurements of your device the x, y, and z axes
o Weight of your device
o Flight time of the drop
An analysis of how the device worked
o What went well
o What didnt go well
o How you would improve the device for the next drop
An explanation of the physics involved, primarily impulse and how your team
approached reducing the force felt by the egg

Timeline:
Saturday is a planning and design day. No materials will be available to work
with, but your team should prioritize choosing the materials you would like.
There is a limited supply of each material, so first-come, first-serve.
Monday and Tuesday will be construction days.
Wednesday is drop day. At the beginning of class, your team will be allowed
a few minutes to finalize your device construction. Length measurements
and mass will be determined. Once all eggs are in their devices, all teams will
head to Main Terrace.

Limited Materials
Your team can choose 12 items from the following list:
1 piece of cardboard
5 rubber bands
8 popsicle sticks
1 meter of masking tape
2 sheets of construction paper
1 plastic grocery bag
10 straws
1 Styrofoam cup
sheet of poster board
6 cotton pads
10 cotton swabs
1 pair of socks
1 roll of toilet paper
30 cm of string
10 cm of metal wire
10 dry spaghetti noodles
2 balloons
1 paper plate
5 pieces of tissue paper
2 1-foot sheets of plastic wrap
2 1-foot sheets of aluminum foil


Provided Materials

Glue
Scissors
Rulers
Pencil

Roller Coaster Challenge


Build a marble roller coaster. You have 24 feet of track, masking tape,
yardsticks/measuring tape, timers, and a marble.


Design Requirements:
At least one hill with a minimum height of 10 cm
At least one loop with a minimum diameter of 20 cm
It must be free-standing no human support can be used in the design

Performance Requirements:
For its safety, the marble must stay in contact with the track at all times
For its safety, the marble must come to a stop before the end of the track and
without colliding with something

Physics Requirements:
Some calculations and/or measurements must be completed as part of the
challenge:
o Initial potential energy
o Potential energy at other high points (top of hill, top of loop)
o Initial total energy
o Speed at a minimum of two places on the track where the marble is in
motion one speed measurement must be before the first feature (a
hill or a loop)
o Total time of the ride
A labeled, to-scale drawing of the track that includes measurements



Higher scores will be given for increased level of difficulty in roller coaster design.
Increased level of difficulty includes, but is not limited to, higher hills, larger loops,
more hills, more loops, higher energy, faster speeds, etc.

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