How far Can you go?
Your challenge is to build a device that will be used to get an empty soda can to travel the greatest distance possible.
Time:
In part one, you will have 6 minute to build a device that will be used to get an empty soda can to travel the greatest distance possible.
In part two, you will have 2 minutes to present your solution to the problem.
Supplies:
For Team:
One plastic shopping bag with the following items inside:
Empty soda can, large paper or plastic plate, 10 toothpicks, 4 plastic straws, 1 balloon, 2 plastic spoons
1 large Styrofoam cup, a tape measure, 6" square of contact paper, 1 sheet of plain paper, 1 business size envelope, a small bottle of glue, two rubber bands, a pair of scissors.
Set-up:
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Rules:
This is a two-part problem.
In part one, you will build a device from the materials provided.
In part two, you will present your solution to the problem.
You may ask questions during your think time, however, time continues. Once time begins, it will not be stopped.
When time starts in part two, only the team’s longest distance will be recorded. You may try as many attempts as possible during the 2 minutes in part two.
No human power may be used to move the empty soda can forward.
You may not move the empty soda can by direct or indirect human power. i.e. the empty soda can and the device must be at rest when released.
You may use only the items provided.
Scoring:
1 point for each inch travelled.
Debriefing:
Would it have been better to focus on linear distance or actual distance traveled?
Could you have altered the soda can?
Did the team use the the plastic bag and the tape measure?
Did the team use materials effectively?
Did the team manage time well?
What would you do differently if you did it again?