Summary For our first project, my group were tasked with making a trebuchet, which is a somewhat simple launching device. To make it, we used 2x4's, rubber bands, a nail, string, and a clay ball. For our other project, we were tasked with creating a hybrid car that was energy efficient, went a distance of five meters, and could bring two passengers made of pennies across those five meters intact. It worked by going down a ramp. It consisted of a wooden compartment for the passengers, two tricycle wheels, a wooden body, and spacers made from pvc pipes. These two projects are put in the same section because the have to do with similar and a few of the same scientific concepts.
Reflection: I am starting to get used to these projects and how they go. I think that overall, I did well. One thing I did well on was work ethic. I think I did a good job working on the project. As a group though, we did well on was sharing the work. We all did an equal amount of the work. Something I could improve on is leadership, so I put my ideas for modification out there. I could also improve on empathy. I wasn't listening to my group too much during these two projects. To improve, I stayed on task more and completed what I had to do.
Concepts: Distance vs Time: This is represented in the form of a graph which shows the amount of time an object travels a certain distance. Our graph is shown in our google slides presentation. Velocity: Velocity is the rate of covered distance in a certain direction. Our car has a certain velocity. Spring Potential Energy: The potential energy stored in a compressed spring. Our trebuchet had spring potential energy from the rubber bands before it was fired. Gravitational Potential Energy: The potential energy of an object when it is about to fall due to gravity. This is shown when we are holding our car on the ramp before releasing it. Kinetic Energy: Energy due to motion. This is shown when our car is in motion or our clay projectile is in motion. Thermal Energy: Energy due to heat. This is shown when our car stops because some of that kinetic enerygy turned into heat, making it thermal energy. Friction: A force between two surfaces that are rubbing that causes them to stop depending on their ridges. This is shown when our car comes to a stop because the wheels rubbed against the floor too long.