Honors Physics Bridge Project
Your task is to utilize your design skills to build a bridge that
spans a 2.0 ft chasm and is capable of holding large loads while
using minimal resources. You may use only two materials to
build your bridge: standard size popsicle sticks and glue. You are
limited to only 100 popsicle sticks so you must design your bridge
carefully. The bridge that sustains the highest scale reading,
without FAILURE, wins and receives a 120 for the project. In
addition, one bridge will win “Best Design” that is voted on by
students for a prize of an additional 10 points for the project.
The loading of bridges will be accomplished through the use of a
scissors jack which will be placed on the center of the bridge using
blocks. A bridge is maxed out (for loading) when it starts to crack
or deflects more than 2.0 inches.
You may use any design that you wish but you will want to minimize
the use of glue since your bridge cannot have a mass of greater than
Your bridge is due on Thursday, September 20, 2012, and we will test
the bridges on this day! Happy Construction!
Honors Physics Projectile Project Due 11/29/12
Your task is to utilize your design skills to build a device that
will “hurl, chuck, toss, or fling” a marble accurately at
designated targets a horizontal distance of ten feet away (at various
vertical heights—see back).
You are essentially building a scaled down trebuchet, cannon, or
catapult that can hit targets with a degree of precision.
*you may use springs, or other mechanical devices
that act like springs (i.e. rubber bands, leaves, etc.)
*your device must be able to throw a marble at least
ten feet and be able to throw no farther than 5 feet.
-inability to do this task constitutes a foul and
each foul will be penalized by 5 points
**your device MAY NOT be a slingshot design.
*the only assembly or modification allowed in class
will be performed with screw drivers, wrenches, or
sockets. NO power tools!
*each student will have exactly 2 minutes to score as
many points as possible by hitting and knocking down
designated targets. The winner receives +20 points!
*Project is due in class Monday, November 29, 2010.
Project on time? Yes___ No (-20)
Foul Tests: Max Distance? Yes___ No (-5)____
Min Distance? Yes___ No (-5)____
Total Points:___________ Winner? (+20/10/5) ____
You will compete in the order of the “random” number drawn, starting
When your number is called bring your launcher to the “Launch Zone”
and give teacher you score sheet.
***There will be a 5 point penalty if you
have misplaced or lost your score sheet!
When you set your machine in the “Launch Zone” you will have
15 seconds to complete the two Foul Tests (long and short)
You will then be given a bowl of ball bearings and will be given a
signal to begin (bell). From this time you will have exactly 2.00
minutes to knock down as many scoring targets as possible.
The student with the most TOTAL points wins and receives a 20
point bonus on project grade.
Students will vote for “best design” and that winner will also
receive a 10 point bonus.
You will be competing against the teacher’s “gun” since he will try
to keep students from winning.
There will be a two point penalty for ALL shots hitting the
ceiling or walls outside the backdrop!