Crazy With Catapults!
by Alison Dunaway, alison.dunaway@zacharyschools.org

Content Area(s)
Science

Grade Level(s)
3, 4, 5, Special Ed

Overview
Students will use catapults to conduct an experiment in order to test the question “As the distance a rubber band is stretched and released from increases, does the distance the rubber band increase, decrease or stay the same? ” After conducting the experiment, documenting procedures by taking pictures with the handheld and collecting data on the handheld, the students will use the Excel on the handheld to graph the data.

Software
Excel or other graphing program

Technology
handheld with digital camera

Objectives
The student will:
•conduct a scientific experiment to answer a testable question using multiple trials.
•collect and record data on a data table, will graph data on a handheld
•interpret data displayed on data table and graph
•take digital pictures to document experiment procedures
•make predictions based on prior knowledge
•create a lab report complete with materials, procedures, variables, hypothesis, data tables, graph, digital pictures and conclusions.

Procedures
Procedures:
•Divide students into groups
•Distribute materials to groups
•Go over the question with the students (“As the distance a rubber band is stretched and released from increases, does the distance the rubber band increase, decrease or stay the same? ”) and introduce the parts of the experiment: review variables (independent—angle of the ruler, dependent—distance of the rubber band), constants, conclusions, table of data, etc. with students.
• Teacher demonstrates launching catapult by stretching the rubber band over the free end of the ruler at varying distances. Have volunteers measure the distance traveled.
•Students work in groups to conduct their experiment and record data on their catapult log. One person in group will input data into Excel program in handheld.
•Students should document experiment through photographs taken with their handheld.
•Students will graph results using Excel.
•Using a Lab Report template, students will report their findings.

Other Supporting Material
Crazy%20with%20Catapults
Lab%20Report

Submitted on: 1/11/2006 9:17:11 PM