Current roster of Outreach Activites
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Spacecraft Structures involves designing an engine mount analogue that is tested using a lever and a dummy weight shaped like a rocket to mimic the forces of a rocket launch. The objective is to design and build a structure that can withstand 3 launches using minimal materials. The entire workshop takes around 2 hours and has been run at Splash, Expanding Your Horizons, and SWE High School Engineering Program.
The structure itself is composed of two 1/4" plywood plates with enough space in between to fit a film canister, which represents the rocket engine. Coffee stir sticks and hot glue are the only other materials provided to construct the rest of the structure.
The structures are tested by placing them in between the rocket and the lever and dropping a 15 lb (6.8 kg) weight on the other side of the lever from shoulder height.
Current slide deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Tvh4uL7LV4K578TAZ41O1hmjDH1xtWBw7VfJ3QOH_RE/edit?usp=sharing
Short version slide deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qYkuULqG4q63alXvwlvJgF1JBPIipl0p_xpdBJXMaAc/edit?usp=sharing
Vector file for laser-cutting top and bottom plywood plates: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LmVELYuEPEu2I09916-3BJlAm2x18kNZ/view?usp=sharing
Alka Seltzer Rockets are film canisters with 3D printed nose cones and fins, powered by Alka Seltzer tablets and water. Alka Seltzer is composed of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which react when dissolved in water, creating carbon dioxide gas. This activity is designed for booths at Discovery Days.
For optimal results, add 3/4 of an alka seltzer tablet broken up into 4-5 pieces and add enough water to fill up the canister about 1/4 of the way.
Folder with nose cone and fin STL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hvyhlRqM5Wcn5oEIB2c1gB9fgIuNTpOw?usp=sharing
Straw rocketry is a simple activity involving construction of a simple paper rocket that can be launched with a straw. Students analyze the effect of different design parameters and environmental factors that affects launch distance. The activity takes about 30 minutes and is intended for an elementary school audience.
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Vif695uiCu6y9bhEMQwTcH22k6azwuCwQ9YsuHmS5MY/edit?usp=sharing
Lesson Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vyKGsn_8eoh4g4PlnNFBl6_rF8-BKQJL/view?usp=sharing
Templates: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OvNhKaebrr6VughCz8dqnWIUvN_DHquf/view?usp=sharing
A quick activity designed for Scientific Adventures for Girls. Elementary schoolers learn how to fold paper airplanes and various techniques to fold airplanes with different properties. The paper airplanes are modified with paper clips and hot glue to be compatible with the launchers. The launchers are laser cut from 1/4" plywood and 2 rubber bands tied in series.
Basic paper airplane designs: https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html https://www.foldnfly.com/23.html#Zip-Dart http://www.amazingpaperairplanes.com/special-FoldingShuttle.html
File for the launcher handle: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-xcIQ6RzBKBEgQfNm30i7Ea8DOYpTp_r
For laser cutting in a hurry, try the Quick Cut or Quicker Cut versions. Quick cut: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JfvUeSJ1fXi0T_x_kQmykSvNxs_Vm_rT Quicker cut: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TngAumQyYzIghxUJ6bFFs_RGLtvzxjpJ
We developed a coding workshop for Rainstorm Summer 2020 to teach high-schoolers about algorithms in a 25 minute session through zoom. This activity is designed for students with no previous experience with programming.
There are 3 variations to this activity: elementary school level for Scientific Adventures for Girls, high school level (25 minutes) for Rainstorm, and high school level (55 minutes) for Splash @ Berkeley.
Original agenda:
Python file:
Original slide deck: