Chunkin’ Pumpkins (Indoor STEM Lab): Design a launcher using everyday materials. Collect distance/accuracy data, graph results, and complete at least one redesign based on evidence.
Engineering Design Process (EDP): Mark the step that BEST matches each statement.
Ask | Imagine/Research | Plan | Create/Test | Improve | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Write the problem and success criteria | |||||
Brainstorm at least 3 launcher ideas | |||||
Make a labeled sketch and materials list | |||||
Build and run multiple launch trials | |||||
Redesign to fix what your data showed |
In engineering, **criteria** are the
After your “pumpkin” leaves the launcher, which forces act on it while it is in the air?
Which factors are most likely to affect how far your “pumpkin” travels?
If you launch the same “pumpkin” with the same strength each time, which launch angle will usually produce the greatest distance (range) in a simple projectile model?
Match each variable type to the BEST example for this launcher experiment.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Dependent variable | arrow_right_alt | Pullback distance you choose |
Controlled variable | arrow_right_alt | Distance traveled (m) |
Independent variable | arrow_right_alt | Same projectile each trial |
Controlled variable | arrow_right_alt | Same launch line each trial |
You want to test how projectile mass affects distance. Which plan BEST keeps the test fair?
You want your launcher test to be a fair test. Which plan BEST supports a fair test?
A team records three launch distances:
Graphs: For each situation, select the BEST graph type.
Line graph | Bar graph | Pie chart | Scatter plot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trial number vs distance for one design | ||||
Compare average distance for Design A vs Design B | ||||
Number of hits vs misses on the target |
What word describes results that are close to each other across repeated trials (even if they’re not close to the target)?
Your group hit the target 12 times out of 20 trials. What is your hit rate (percent)?
Match each data word to the BEST description.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Outlier | arrow_right_alt | Sum ÷ number of trials |
Mean | arrow_right_alt | Middle value when ordered |
Median | arrow_right_alt | Highest minus lowest |
Range | arrow_right_alt | Value far from others |
Based on your data, describe one redesign you made to improve distance or accuracy. Include: (1) what you changed, (2) what evidence from trials led you to that change, and (3) what you expected to happen after the redesign.
Which conclusion BEST uses evidence to justify a redesign decision?