Learn . Create . Succeed

A Science Project for Today's Classroom

  Many times things can be made in the classroom that can be used to demonstrate principals of Physics or Mechanics.  Here is a project I just finished that might be of some use to teachers in their classes.  It was made from cheap Foam Board materials found in the craft store and you will see for yourself what I was able to make and demonstrate.  Richard Wlliams aka Corporal Willy  

 Download A Science Project for Today's Classrooms. 8_18_09

Density of various materials

 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) STEM Concepts Addressed: This lesson develops the density of several different materials and different shapes.  Density is calculated from dividing the object’s mass by its volume.  Students will see that the mass of the material always remains the same, but the volume can change by changing the arrangement and shape. Mike Yakubovsky   

 

Lesson:Download Solidworks_lesson_density

 

Gravity Simulation Ball in Bowl for FIRST Robotics

How does gravity play a roll in a ball dropped into a spherical bowl?  You can simulate the physical condition with SolidWorks.  This was asked of a FIRST Robotics member who saw a similar movie somewhere on YouTube. Physical behavior is determined by the mates.  For example, a tangent mate was created between the ball and a bowl.  A coincident mate is also created between the Front Plane.  Then gravity was added to the ball.

The movie file shows the result and the part and assembly files are below.  Marie

Movie: bowlandball.avi

Model Files: Download gavity_ball_and_bowl.zip

The Changing Earth

               As all science teachers know the earth is constantly changing but usually at a pace that is very small and not very discernable, unless a major physical event happens.  Major events have been happening with more frequency lately than we would normally expect or want.  Is the world in turmoil or is it just an evolutionary geological cycle in the natural order of things?  This controversy goes on and on by the world’s leading scientists and environmentalists and we know that things are changing but can we intervene in the right way is the big question.  We seem to be gaining on our understanding but we aren’t quite there yet.  Here is a science project geared for middle school aged children that could help to spark some interest in earth science.  Richard.

Download classroom_science_project_in_seismology.doc

F1inSchools Race Car Design Project

SolidWorks Education Edition curriculum contains supports F1 in Schools, CO2 power car.  Students can experience a design, analyze, build and have fun project in the design of a wooden  race car.  Students design their car with 3D modeling tools, analyze the car in a virtual wind tunnel, add photorealistic renderings, animations, and create production drawings.  Curriculum is available in English, French, German and Spanish in the SolidWorks Education Edition 2008.

Model Files

race_car_design_project_solidworks_2008modelsfinal.zip

Video

solidworks_and_f1_in_schools_streaming.wmv

Determine Mass of an Object

This lesson uses SolidWorks to determine the mass of an object.  Variations of the same object will be drawn, and the lightest object that meets the design requirements will be chosen. Contributed by Brian Moravec.

Lesson:

Download SolidWorks-Lesson-Mass.doc

Math2Go Accelerated Curriculum

Math2Go Accelerated Curriculum applies science and mathematics concepts to designing a race car. With 10th scale RC Cars, students maximize performance and drive farther, faster, and all while exploring concepts in physics. The Upside Down Wings  exercise takes  a student through the design and analysis of a spoiler on a car, creating a downward force. Three iterative  activities guide the student  through design and optimization. Contributed by Ten80Education.

Sample Parts:

Download m2g_accel_platechallenge.zip

Power Ball Gyroscopic Effects

Gyroscopic effects are in the origin of toys, such as yo-yo or spinning tops. A gyroscope is a three dimensional system having three spinning axis. Students will explre the gyroscope construction and model a 3D power ball assembly in SolidWorks. Instructions are available in English and French in web format. Download and extract both zip files. Contributed by students from Ecole Nationale d'Ingenieurs de Saint Etienne. (Saint Etienne National Engineering College, France).

Sample Parts:

Download pieces_solidworks.zip

Download html_document.zip

Neutral Buoyancy in an ROV

Archimedes' Principle, an immersed object is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Students will learn to apply simple mathematical relationships to determine density from measuring mass and volume or water displacement. Students learn how to tell if an object will float or sink and what it takes to have neutral buoyancy. For Grades 10-11. A variety of objects are tested from a CD Jewel Case to a ROV motor. Contributed by Misty Scevola, Oregon.

Lesson Plan:  SolidWorks-Lesson-Template.3DCase.DOC

Sample Parts:   cdcase.SLDPRT

Design and Testing of an ROV Float

This lesson provides an example of the growing area of technology in underwater exploration. This class will be designing and building working ROVs to perform a number of tasks. The ROVs will be completely designed using SolidWorks and explore the Physics concepts of Buoyancy vs Ballast & Center of Gravity.  Students will apply engineering principles to develop the overall design of a working ROV, multiple design concepts, and problem solving.  This lesson applies the mathematical concepts of geometrical design and analysis of area and displacement. Contributed by Scott S. Dickinson, Rhode Island.

Lesson Plan: Download rov_float_2.doc