Fire Away Project:
The goal of this project was to create a trebuchet that would launch a ball the farthest distance. However, we had many restrictions for this project such as:
We started this project off with an experiment. This experiment was basically changing one variable of our original design and seeing how it would affect the distance of the ball. Our specific change was the position of the firing nail. These were our results:
- No dimension of the trebuchet could exceed 1 meter
- Has to be reusable
- Must have a base that sits on the ground
- Two legs that hold up an axle
- A lever with a load and effort
- Easily Portable
- It should fire by itself
We started this project off with an experiment. This experiment was basically changing one variable of our original design and seeing how it would affect the distance of the ball. Our specific change was the position of the firing nail. These were our results:
These results show, as said in our CLEAR paragraph, that if the firing nail is positioned at 0 degrees, then it will go the farthest distance.
Now that we gathered the information, it was time to present it. We created a poster for this project that showed how claim, evidence, and reasoning. We changed the angle of the nail, but other groups changed other variables, and because of this, we were able to get enough information to create a new trebuchet that could fly the farthest distance.
To make our ball go more distance, we changed a few variables, like:
The number of rubber bands: One of the first things we learned was that rubber bands release more energy, and to get more energy, you would need more rubber bands. In fact, the group that changed the number of rubber bands as their experiment supported this idea. So we changed the number of rubber bands from 2 to 9. We chose 9 because we felt like it was a number that would achieve a far distance, but at the same time, not break the nail off.
Ratio of lever placement: Another variable we changed was the ratio of the placement of firing arm. What this basically means is the balance of the lever. Originally, we had a 8:1 ratio, meaning 8/9 of the lever on one side, while 1/9 is on the other. This did not work well, and another group confirmed that the best ratio for the arm would be 2:1, so we changed ours to that.
Length of String: We also changed the length of string. Originally, the length of the string of the ball was 15 cm, but that didn’t work well. So we got the information of an experiment conducted on the length of string, and found out 20 cm would make the ball go the farthest distance. I think the reason this works is because as we learned with circles, if you’re traveling a big and small circle and completing rounds at the same time, in the bigger circle, you will travel more distance. Similarly, since the distance of the string is longer, it will make the ball rotate and achieve a farther distance.
Length of Fulcrum: After changing all of those variables, we heard based on an experiment done by another group, the higher the axle is placed, the more distance the ball will fly. Because of this experiment, we decided to change our length to 34 cm because the higher the ball starts, the higher it goes, meaning the farther it travels.
0 degree position of nail: Unlike the others, this decision was based on an experiment that we conducted. As I mentioned before, we ran a test using multiple positions of nails, and found 0 degrees to be the best. Here is our analysis (CLEAR) paragraph:
In our Fire Away Project, we tested to see what angle the nail should be at to get the ball to fly the farthest distance. While looking at our data, we noticed that angling the nail at 0 degrees made the ball go 5.95 meters while angling the nail 90 degrees made it go 1.1 meters. This, and many other pieces of data helped us come to the conclusion that the lower angle degree that the nail was, the further the ball would fly. When we started this project, we were not sure how changing one small variable could affect the machine. That all changed when we began gathering data. We did this by first modifying the angle of the nail to what we wanted it to be for the trial. Then we set up a measuring tape around 7 meters from the machine. When the machine was ready to be tested, we put the clay ball around the nail, attached the rubber bands to the opposing side, and released to measure the distance. After multiple angle modifications, we came to our conclusion. Our averages for the machine were 90 degrees, 1.1 m; 45 degrees, 2.88 m; 20 degrees, 4.68 m; and 0 degrees went 5.95 m. All of these calculations may be different, but together support one thing: the lower angle degree the nail is at, the more distance the ball will fly. This could overall represent how a greater angle for the nail allows less Potential Energy for the rubber band because it doesn’t have to stretch as much. This has a big effect on the machine because less Potential Energy means less energy released to get distance, meaning overall less distance. This applies to real life because it is easier to reach(with your hands) an angled pole than a straight one, because it is generally closer.
As said in the paragraph, this was probably because since the nail was aiming straight out (0 degrees), the rubber bands had to stretch the farthest out of all trials, meaning that the release would give more energy, making it travel more distance.
Mass of firing ball: And lastly, we changed the mass of the firing ball. According to a 2 studies conducted by other groups in our class, the best mass for the firing ball would be between 7 to 10 grams. Following this experiment, we had to choose a mass between 7 and 10, so we stuck with 8 grams.
Now that we gathered the information, it was time to present it. We created a poster for this project that showed how claim, evidence, and reasoning. We changed the angle of the nail, but other groups changed other variables, and because of this, we were able to get enough information to create a new trebuchet that could fly the farthest distance.
To make our ball go more distance, we changed a few variables, like:
The number of rubber bands: One of the first things we learned was that rubber bands release more energy, and to get more energy, you would need more rubber bands. In fact, the group that changed the number of rubber bands as their experiment supported this idea. So we changed the number of rubber bands from 2 to 9. We chose 9 because we felt like it was a number that would achieve a far distance, but at the same time, not break the nail off.
Ratio of lever placement: Another variable we changed was the ratio of the placement of firing arm. What this basically means is the balance of the lever. Originally, we had a 8:1 ratio, meaning 8/9 of the lever on one side, while 1/9 is on the other. This did not work well, and another group confirmed that the best ratio for the arm would be 2:1, so we changed ours to that.
Length of String: We also changed the length of string. Originally, the length of the string of the ball was 15 cm, but that didn’t work well. So we got the information of an experiment conducted on the length of string, and found out 20 cm would make the ball go the farthest distance. I think the reason this works is because as we learned with circles, if you’re traveling a big and small circle and completing rounds at the same time, in the bigger circle, you will travel more distance. Similarly, since the distance of the string is longer, it will make the ball rotate and achieve a farther distance.
Length of Fulcrum: After changing all of those variables, we heard based on an experiment done by another group, the higher the axle is placed, the more distance the ball will fly. Because of this experiment, we decided to change our length to 34 cm because the higher the ball starts, the higher it goes, meaning the farther it travels.
0 degree position of nail: Unlike the others, this decision was based on an experiment that we conducted. As I mentioned before, we ran a test using multiple positions of nails, and found 0 degrees to be the best. Here is our analysis (CLEAR) paragraph:
In our Fire Away Project, we tested to see what angle the nail should be at to get the ball to fly the farthest distance. While looking at our data, we noticed that angling the nail at 0 degrees made the ball go 5.95 meters while angling the nail 90 degrees made it go 1.1 meters. This, and many other pieces of data helped us come to the conclusion that the lower angle degree that the nail was, the further the ball would fly. When we started this project, we were not sure how changing one small variable could affect the machine. That all changed when we began gathering data. We did this by first modifying the angle of the nail to what we wanted it to be for the trial. Then we set up a measuring tape around 7 meters from the machine. When the machine was ready to be tested, we put the clay ball around the nail, attached the rubber bands to the opposing side, and released to measure the distance. After multiple angle modifications, we came to our conclusion. Our averages for the machine were 90 degrees, 1.1 m; 45 degrees, 2.88 m; 20 degrees, 4.68 m; and 0 degrees went 5.95 m. All of these calculations may be different, but together support one thing: the lower angle degree the nail is at, the more distance the ball will fly. This could overall represent how a greater angle for the nail allows less Potential Energy for the rubber band because it doesn’t have to stretch as much. This has a big effect on the machine because less Potential Energy means less energy released to get distance, meaning overall less distance. This applies to real life because it is easier to reach(with your hands) an angled pole than a straight one, because it is generally closer.
As said in the paragraph, this was probably because since the nail was aiming straight out (0 degrees), the rubber bands had to stretch the farthest out of all trials, meaning that the release would give more energy, making it travel more distance.
Mass of firing ball: And lastly, we changed the mass of the firing ball. According to a 2 studies conducted by other groups in our class, the best mass for the firing ball would be between 7 to 10 grams. Following this experiment, we had to choose a mass between 7 and 10, so we stuck with 8 grams.
This is a video of our test of the trebuchet. It shows how where the ball flies and lands from it, overall providing a general representation of the launching of the projectile.
Content:
After all of the calculations, we calculated the measurements of the trebuchet. They are listed below:
This trebuchet is the best because it wasn’t just made without any thought, it took a lot of research and compiling to get this design. A good example of this is when we took the information from every groups experiments as we mentioned before, and compiled all of the best lengths and weights into one single trebuchet. This is what separates our design from the rest. At the beginning of the project, we just tried new variables to see which one would go the fastest, but now we are well knowledge of these measurements and are able to apply them to benefit our machine. Now that is one good trebuchet.
Reflection:
In the end, we got a working trebuchet. But what did project really teach us? This project taught us how to gather information and use it to create a prototype. An example of this is how we gathered all of the information from the experiments of the other groups, and created a trebuchet using the best measurements and angles.
Overall, I think this project was a great success. I feel that an important part of being a leader is also learning the role of follower, so that is what I did this project. I feel we worked pretty well this project, and were always on time and never fell behind. One thing I think I did well was listening to the leader, Matt. During the project, I tried to be as much of a help as I could to the team, and volunteered whenever I could to get or measure things. Another thing I did well was suggesting ideas. When I thought something wasn't going to work or had a better idea, I told my group, and although it didn't work well for this group, I feel it is an important skill for later in life and will help me when I need it.
On the other hand, I could've improved on many things during this project. One thing I need to improve on is the fact that I ask too many questions. Asking questions is a good thing, but sometimes I take it too far making me talk more and do less. Relating to this, I needed to be more independent during this project. I was so focused on not disappointing my group and doing what they said that I started nagging my group and constantly asking them what to do, which irritated them, and in the end made them disappointed in my participation.
Group cooperation is a very hard thing to learn. As you can see in my last projects, I always seem to turn from one extreme to another, and never get the right amount of participation, leadership, and attitude. My goal for this school year is to get the right amount of these qualities so I'll know how to work well in groups. Of course, every group is different, but I would like to know how to appeal and cooperate in most groups, especially as a leader, because I know that skill will help me in the future.
Overall, I think this project was a great success. I feel that an important part of being a leader is also learning the role of follower, so that is what I did this project. I feel we worked pretty well this project, and were always on time and never fell behind. One thing I think I did well was listening to the leader, Matt. During the project, I tried to be as much of a help as I could to the team, and volunteered whenever I could to get or measure things. Another thing I did well was suggesting ideas. When I thought something wasn't going to work or had a better idea, I told my group, and although it didn't work well for this group, I feel it is an important skill for later in life and will help me when I need it.
On the other hand, I could've improved on many things during this project. One thing I need to improve on is the fact that I ask too many questions. Asking questions is a good thing, but sometimes I take it too far making me talk more and do less. Relating to this, I needed to be more independent during this project. I was so focused on not disappointing my group and doing what they said that I started nagging my group and constantly asking them what to do, which irritated them, and in the end made them disappointed in my participation.
Group cooperation is a very hard thing to learn. As you can see in my last projects, I always seem to turn from one extreme to another, and never get the right amount of participation, leadership, and attitude. My goal for this school year is to get the right amount of these qualities so I'll know how to work well in groups. Of course, every group is different, but I would like to know how to appeal and cooperate in most groups, especially as a leader, because I know that skill will help me in the future.