Applied Physics Projects
Upon finishing a textbook, a project will be given out to show growth in the class. These real-life hands-on projects will further expand the theoretical and practical sides of physics. Students must meet the project requirements on the project deadline to receive credit. There will also be a participation point given to each student. Students are likely to face problems as they progress through the projects and problem-solving skills practiced throughout the year will be the key to solve those problems. A project write-up will be due a few days after the completion of the project.
Magnetic Levitation Vehicles
Since this is the first project students will face, it gives them an idea of what future projects will be like and introduces them to their working area.
Objective: Each student will create a "vehicle" that will go around a track while floating off the ground (using magnet powers).
Materials / Restrictions: Students are free to use any materials for this project but are restricted to a limited amount of magnets and one small motor and fan.
Timeline: Only a few weeks will be given to work on this project, including in-class work time. An in-class competition will be held on the deadline of the project to determine the fastest vehicle (a lap of each vehicle will be timed).
Credit: Student's vehicle needs to be able to go around the track at least once in order for the student to receive credit.
Competition: When called upon, a student will place the vehicle on the track and let it go around the track (if it can). The student will then choose a lap to be timed and recorded.
Sumo Vehicles
Some students consider this project to be one of the best experiences of the class because of the competition at the end. This project not only introduces the student to a lot more tools available for use in the workshop, but it prepares the students for the Robotics Competition. Unlike the previous project, students will have a lot more freedom when working on their Sumo Vehicles because of the broad range of materials available.
Objective: Each student will build a machine capable of pushing another machine out of a ring in the time limit.
Materials / Restrictions: Two motors will be given to each student that will be hooked up to a controller when competing. The final product must fit in a 12x12x12 box and must not weigh more than 15 pounds.
Timeline: Several weeks will be given to work on this project, including in-class work time. An in-class competition will be held at the end of the project to determine the winner of the Sumo Vehicle Competition.
Credit: To receive credit, each student will need to have a machine capable of winning a round in the competition.
Competition: A bracket will be created to determine when each student competes against one another. A circle will be drawn as the ring. Only two students will compete each round and using their own machine, they must try to push the other machine out of the ring within the 60-second time limit. If no vehicle was pushed out of the ring after 60 seconds, the one closest to the center of the ring will win the round. If any vehicle camped at the center of the ring during the first 15 seconds, it will automatically lose the round. This competition will be based on a double-elimination rule, where the winner of the loser's bracket will be able to compete in the final round of the tournament, giving each competitor a second chance to win. Students are free to fix their vehicles between rounds but if they aren't ready when their turn comes, it counts as a forfeit. Before each round, the competitors can call a time-out to measure the dimensions and weight of their opponent's vehicle. If the opponent's vehicle exceeds the limits, the opponent will automatically lose the round.
Robotics Competition
Using the Sumo Vehicle experience, students will work in pairs to create a robot that will compete in the Sehome Robotics Competition and the tournament down at Lindbergh H. S. in Renton. This is the project the students have been working and studying for. Many problems will occur and cause frustration among the teams, forcing students to use their problem-solving skills. With over 100 teams from 17 schools competing at the tournament in Renton, this will be the biggest project for the Applied Physics students. Yet, this project gives the most excitement to everyone. The question is, are you up to the challenge?
Objective: The specific goal of the Robotics Competition changes every year, but each team of students can expect to build a robot to compete against another team. Teams need to score more points than the other team in order to win the match. The points system will be introduced at the beginning of the project.
Materials / Restrictions: The same motors used for the Sumo Vehicles Competition will be used for this project (two from each of the students, giving the team four motors to use). Like the Sumo Vehicles Project, the final product must fit in a 12x12x12 box. The list of materials that each team can use, including the amount, will be given at the introduction of the project. Materials not on the list cannot be used.
Timeline: There will be about 10 weeks of work time until the Renton competition in May. There will be a Sehome competition before that, where the different classes will all compete together.
Credit: Students will receive credit if their robot is able to score in the Sehome competition. Participation grade will be given separately.
Competition: Students can expect a similar competition as seen in the Sumo Vehicles Competition. If there are more than three motors used, it will require both of the students on the team to operate the robot. Competition rules will be given when introducing the project.
