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Parabolic Equation of a Catapult  

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Unit Title (?)Choose a title that draws attention to and describes your hands-on, applied academic project.

Parabolic Equation of a Catapult

Related Disciplines (?)List the type of courses that might use this unit (i.e. Algebra 1, General Science, Shop, Drafting, & Pre-Engineering.)

Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus

Project Author's Name (?)The name of the lesson author

Ellen Byron

Brief Project Description (?)help other teachers decide if this project is something they can do, please briefly indicate the equipment and materials they'd need to do this project. For example, you might need a mill, lathe, protractors and 4x2x0.25 pieces of aluminum for each student. Note that you can attach detailed material and equipment lists below.

Students learn the form and elements of the parabola equation in concept before applying the concepts using a small catapult. Data is collected in a catapult competition and is used to solve the equation in context.

Materials & Equipment Required (?)help other teachers decide if this project is something they can do, please briefly indicate the equipment and materials they'd need to do this project. For example, you might need a mill, lathe, protractors and 4x2x0.25 pieces of aluminum for each student. Note that you can attach detailed material and equipment lists below.

Small Catapult with projectile object (contact Sierra College STEM project for assembly of a catapult). Algebra 2 textbook or Pre Calculus textbook to assist student with exploration of parabolic equations. Other materials (need enough for each group in class): ball, long tape measure, yard stick, data collection handout (see attachment), video camera (optional; students could use their phones to video the trajectory if allowed).

Textbooks (?)List any textbook references for this lesson.

Algebra 2 textbook or Pre Calculus textbook to assist student with exploration of parabolic equations.

Time for Lesson (?)What is the realistic amount of time students require to do this project? Again, this helps others in deciding how to fit this project into class hours.

One or Two class periods (one if on block schedule) plus homework time.
An additional 3 hour time slot allocated to building the STEM catapult.

Links & Resources (?)links to other useful web sites for ordering materials, showing as examples of the concept being used in industry, giving demonstrations on an online movie and providing other similar resources.

Not Available.