9th Grade Odyssey Project
In this project our main focus was physics, like bouyancy, Archimedes' principle and density. To demonstrate our knowladge of the subject, we had to create a demonstration of a specific physics topic and create and use a cardboard boat. Our boat had to be made up of only cardboard, tape and plastic bottles and had to be a maximum of six feet long and six feet wide.
Project reflection
What would we have changed about our boat?
Originally, we were going to have taller sides, a slimmer boat and two propeller like wheels on the side. We found that the taller sides and the slimmer boat doesn’t work. We found this out when our ⅛ scale boat tipped over. So we then shortened the sides and made the boat wider. Our wheel idea was a good one. We didn't have enough time though to build it. Our wheel was to complicated and to big to make a reality. We didn’t change much else, we had the right idea from the start.
Three things we saw that were effective
Well I saw people use water jugs, (which I think is cheating) and that was very effective. Also I saw people use a lot more tape than we did. Which I wish we could have used more but we didn’t have enough. Lastly I saw seats, although not essential, they helped the people in the boat.
How does the Archimedes principle apply to floatation?
The Archimedes principle shows why an object can float. In order for an object to float, a couple of things need to happen. First, the objects force of weight needs to be less than the force of buoyancy. So it is related to the Archimedes principle because it tells us how to find the buoyant force. Second, the average density needs to be less than 1g/cm3. Our boat floated because it met both requirements. Its force of weight is less than the force of buoyancy, and the average density is less than 1g/cm3. The average density is mass divided by volume. So our volume needed to be large and our mass needed to be small. That is something we had to keep in mind while building our boats.
Originally, we were going to have taller sides, a slimmer boat and two propeller like wheels on the side. We found that the taller sides and the slimmer boat doesn’t work. We found this out when our ⅛ scale boat tipped over. So we then shortened the sides and made the boat wider. Our wheel idea was a good one. We didn't have enough time though to build it. Our wheel was to complicated and to big to make a reality. We didn’t change much else, we had the right idea from the start.
Three things we saw that were effective
Well I saw people use water jugs, (which I think is cheating) and that was very effective. Also I saw people use a lot more tape than we did. Which I wish we could have used more but we didn’t have enough. Lastly I saw seats, although not essential, they helped the people in the boat.
How does the Archimedes principle apply to floatation?
The Archimedes principle shows why an object can float. In order for an object to float, a couple of things need to happen. First, the objects force of weight needs to be less than the force of buoyancy. So it is related to the Archimedes principle because it tells us how to find the buoyant force. Second, the average density needs to be less than 1g/cm3. Our boat floated because it met both requirements. Its force of weight is less than the force of buoyancy, and the average density is less than 1g/cm3. The average density is mass divided by volume. So our volume needed to be large and our mass needed to be small. That is something we had to keep in mind while building our boats.
Reflection of efforts
I think I worked hard in this project, I was the captian of our vessel so my responsibilties were mighty high! But I worked hard and did the things I had to do. I worked well with my group and I had fun!