Materials in History - Results Tables

In an educational exploration of physics and materials, students investigate whether the size of a pom pom affects the distance it travels when launched by a catapult. They conduct a series of experiments using pom poms of three different sizes: small, medium, and large. For each size category, students make three attempts to launch the pom poms using a catapult and record the distances travelled in centimetres. This methodical approach allows them to gather data, which is then tabulated to identify any patterns or correlations between the pom pom size and the resulting launch distance.

Furthering their study of medieval engineering, students switch their focus to the trebuchet, another type of siege engine known for its ability to hurl projectiles over great distances. Again, they test the effect of pom pom size on the distance achieved, recording the results of three attempts for each size category. This hands-on activity not only delves into the mechanics of trebuchets but also encourages students to think critically about the factors influencing projectile motion. Additionally, the class explores the properties of various materials used in glue-making, such as milk, casein, and plastic. They describe the properties of these substances, which likely includes discussions on viscosity, adhesion, and elasticity, to understand how these characteristics contribute to the effectiveness of glue.