The Roar of the Mortar: An Invincible Siege Weapon

Disciplines/Subjects: Physics, Engineering, Computer Science

Key Themes: Experiment Design, Scientific Calculation and Derivation, Engineering Manufacturing and Processing

What is the experience of designing and making a "weapon"?

Let's feel together with the students from Introduction to Physics, experience the hardships of the process and the beauty of the results, the agony of failure and the joy of success.

Welcome to our Physics Project Exhibition. In this project, students have designed and simulated an important historical task from a war scenario—accurately hitting an enemy command center with simulated artillery shells. In this challenge, students not only apply fundamental principles of physics but also require innovative thinking, practical experimental design, and the application of their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

The core task of the project is to use an existing tennis ball launcher or various "weapons" designed and built by students to simulate the firing of artillery shells. By adjusting parameters such as launch angle and initial velocity, students aim to hit distant targets with precision. The challenge was completed in three different ways:

Experimental Method: Students designed and implemented multiple experiments to explore how launch angle and initial speed affect the trajectory of the balls. Through data analysis, they determined the optimal launch parameters.

Theoretical Method: Using the physics of projectile motion, students performed precise mathematical calculations to predict the landing point of the artillery shells, determining the exact launch angle and velocity needed to hit the target.

Engineering Design Method: Some students took on the challenge of designing and building their launchers. Through experimental testing, they continually refined their devices, striving to improve shooting accuracy through precise engineering.

This project not only involves fundamental physics knowledge but also cultivates students' creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Through this exhibition, you will see how students have turned theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, demonstrating their learning journey from theory to application.

Habits of mind: Creating, Imagination &, Innovation, Mission Driven

Cognitive skills:

Initiation: Defining a Design Problem

Execution: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations, Designing a Solution

Presentation: Organizing and Representing Information, Constructing an Evidence-based Explanations, Modeling

Reflection: Evaluating Competing Design Solutions

Content Knowledge:

Physics

Kinematics: One-dimensional motion, two-dimensional motion, projectile motion, properties and calculations of motion

Mechanics: Newton's laws, conservation of momentum

Energy: Kinetic energy and potential energy, conservation of energy

Engineering

Modular design and manufacturing

Parts processing and assembly

Computer Science

Programming and debugging of engineering manufacturing software