Trebuchet Launch
Students work as engineers to design and test trebuchets (in this case LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robots) that can launch objects. During the testing stage, they change one variable at a time to study its effect on the outcome of their designs. Specifically, they determine how far objects travel depending on their weights. As students learn about the different components of robot design and the specific function controls, they determine what design features are important for launching objects.
Students design and test trebuchetsCopyright 2013 U.S. Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/01/i3-grant-provides-stem-graduation-path-for-colorado-students-2/
Engineers solve real-world problems. In fact, all engineers, including mechanical, electrical and chemical engineers, are faced with challenges that they solve via engineering designs, whether through the development of new technologies or improvements on existing functionality. In essence, engineers design and analyze solutions to generate new technology that is sophisticated and user friendly. Launching an object with precision is an ongoing challenge for people who use trebuchets; in this activity, students act as engineers to find solutions to this problem.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Design a LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot that can be used to launch objects.
- Program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 software.
- Determine the distance an object travels and relate it to its respective weight.
- Design and carry out a controlled engineering experiment.