Name: _________________
Date: __________________ The Marshmallow Catapult Lab Purpose​
: To use the knowledge of simple machines in order to build a simple machine to launch a marshmallow a certain distance. Challenge​
: Design a simple machine within your group to launch a marshmallow with the materials given. Materials​
: Below are the materials that you can use but you do not have to use ALL of them. 1. ​
Marshmallows (one per group)\ 2. Popsicle Sticks 3. String 4. Tape 5. Water bottles 6. Cups 7. Plastic spoons 8. Rubber bands Instructions​
: 1. ​
Work in groups of 4­5 people. 2. The group will design their own procedure and each person is responsible for a copy of it. 3. The group will sketch a drawing of what they want their catapult to look like. Each person in the group is responsible for sketching the same drawing that the group comes up with. 4. Before the group physically starts to build their catapult, they must show the teacher their procedure and sketch found on the next page. 5. After the teacher approves the design and sketch, the group may then begin to build their design. 6. After the design is completed, the group will follow their procedure in how they are going to write it up. Note: I recommend using a chart/table for the results and then a bar graph to display them. 7. Once the trials are done and the group has finished their table and graph, there will be a launching competition. 8. Launching Competition: a. It will consist of each group participating. b. The goal is to see which group can have their catapult launch the marshmallow the farthest. c. There will be bonus points for the group that launches their marshmallow the farthest. Part I: Designing the Procedure and Sketching it. A. Use the room below to write out in ​
complete sentences​
the steps your group is going to take in designing your experiment. You must have at least ​
five steps​
in your process but are not limited to only five. If you choose to only do five steps then make sure that they are clear and concise in what you are saying. B. In the space below, draw and label a diagram of what your final simple machine will look like. Part II: Testing your Simple Machine In the ​
Data Table ​
below, record the distance traveled in meters (m). Repeat the test a minimum of three times. You may conduct more trials for a greater accuracy if your group decides to. Data Table Trial Number Distance Traveled (m) 1 2 3 Average Distance: In the space below, create a bar graph to visually represent your data from the ​
Data Table​
. Be sure to title the graph and label the x and y axes. Part III: Conclusion 1. In looking at the data table and graph, which trial launched the marshmallow the farthest? Explain why. ​
_______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________. 2. What factors were out of your group’s control in regards to how far the marshmallow launched? ​
__________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________. 3. If you could design another catapult, how would you design it differently in order to get better results in launching the marshmallow?​
____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________. 4. Name a real­life example of how you could use a lever to do work? ___________________________________________________________________________
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