Shrey Saretha
P.1 8/14/14
Internal Assessment Design Lab 1-Catapult
Prompt: Investigate one variable affecting the range of a toy catapult.
Problem/Research Question:
How does the mass of the object that will be catapulted affect the range of the catapult?
Background: By using objects of different masses but the same volume, the only independent variable that is being created is the mass of the object. To compare the relationship between the mass of the object and the range of the catapult, the distances from the catapult to the various objects thrown from the catapult will be measured and recorded. Once again, the independent variable of this lab is the mass of the object which has a wide range of possibilities. The lowest possible mass would be the least dense substance that exists as a solid at room temperature. The highest possible mass would be the densest substance that exists as a solid at room temperature. The dependent variable is the distance from the catapult to the thrown object or in other word, the range. Together, these variables will help compare the relationship between the mass of the object and the range of the catapult. The variables that must be controlled during this experiment include the distance the catapult is pulled back, the shape and volume of the objects catapulted, the type of catapult itself, the ground on which the catapult is fired, and the method by which the object is catapult.…show more content… Materials: -Toy catapult (preferably made out of metal to increase the strength of the catapult)
-5 objects of the same shape and volume but different masses (Ex: cubes made of different metals but of the same shape and volume such as iron, copper, aluminum,