Name: _____________________ Date: ___________
Science 6 - ______ Lab # _______
Constructing a Straw Structure
Problem: How can we construct a straw structure at least 1 meter high that is able to
stand on its own and withstand at least 250 grams of mass at its highest
point for at least 1 minute?
Pre – Lab questions to discuss.
Jot down answers in your lab book.
1. What are the best shapes to use for a tall structure?
2. What kinds of support does your structure need to continue standing
as you build up?
3. What are some good ways to build a foundation, or base, for a tall structure?
4. If you were going to design a building, how would you determine how strong
it would need to be?
5. How do you think the material from which a building is made affects its strength?
Gather Information:
As a group discuss what different types of straws and paperclips you could use and write down this information below.
Discuss the different shapes you could construct and possible number of straws and clips you plan on using in your structure. Meaning do you think you should use a lot or minimize the amount? Write this info below.
Paper Clips Straws Shapes Quantity
Form a Hypothesis:
Sketch your group’s design plan below and develop a hypothesis that is a suggested solution to the problem stated above. Write this hypothesis on the lines provided below.
Ex. - If we use straight straws and small clips with a big base, than our structure will be able to stand and support more than 250 grams.
Hypothesis:
Record and Analyze your Observations
At the end of each period (~ 5 minutes prior to the bell ringing) sketch your structure and count the approximate number of straws and paper clips it is made up of. Record these numbers on the side of your drawing. Jot down observations you are making in regard to your structures durability to stand on its own and later withstand weight.
Analyze your drawing and notes each night and write down one or two ideas on how to improve your group’s structure. Share these thoughts with one another the following day and continue to work on meeting your goal.
Date ________
Drawing Notes
Ideas for Improvement:
1.
2.
Date ________
Drawing Notes
Ideas for Improvement:
1.
2.
Date ________
Drawing Notes
Ideas for Improvement:
1.
2.
Date ________
Drawing Notes
Ideas for Improvement:
1.
2.
Draw A Conclusion
Draw a final sketch of your structure below and count ( an approximate ) and record the total approximate number of straws and paper clips you used.
_______ straws
______ paper clips
Answer the following questions below using complete sentences. Be sure to rephrase part of the question in your answer.
Did your group meet the goals of the project? Explain.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Was your hypothesis confirmed (was it correct) or did it need to be changed? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Extension:
Read the handout about what gives a structure support (beams and columns) then highlight the beams in yellow and the columns in red on the sketch of your model structure above.
Using the same handout determine the total dead load of your structure. Show your work below. Remember each straw weighs approximately .7 grams and each paper clip weighs approximately .5 grams. Use the total numbers you recorded in your conclusion section to complete this task.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
straw structure rubric
STRAW STUCTURE
LAB EVALUATION
Criteria with point value
(4) Accomplished architect
(3) Beginner architect
(2) Architect's apprentice
(1) Arichitect still in school
Collaboration and Communication
( 4 ) Student proactively contributed to the group by giving at least 3 ideas for construction,
staying on topic and building off others ideas and thoughts.
( 3 ) Student actively contributed to the group by giving at least 2 ideas for construction,
staying on topic most often, and supplies support and constructive criticism at times.
( 2 ) Student rarely contributed to the group by giving at least 1 idea for construction.
Conversations often off topic with little support to others in the group.
( 1 ) Student never contributes to the group by not giving any ideas for construction.
Conversation is always off topic and offers no support to others.
Preparation
( 4 ) Student is always prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 3 ) Student is usually prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 2 ) Student is rarely prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 1 ) Student is never prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
Building Design
( 4 ) Lab report shows clear progression in building design modifying hypothesis and structure
as went along. Active thinking processes
( 3 ) Lab report shows some progression in building design modifying hypothesis and structure
as went along. Active thinking processes.
( 2 ) Lab report shows little progression in building design and modification of hypothesis and
structure as went along. Lack of thinking processes shown.
( 1 ) Lab report shows no progression in building design and modifying hypothesis and
structure as went along. No thinking processes.
Height
( 4 ) Structure measures 1 meter tall or greater
( 3 ) Structure measures 90 centimeters or above
( 2 ) Structure measures 60 to 90 centimeters
( 1 ) Structure measures 59 meters or below
LAB EVALUATION
Criteria with point value
(4) Accomplished architect
(3) Beginner architect
(2) Architect's apprentice
(1) Arichitect still in school
Collaboration and Communication
( 4 ) Student proactively contributed to the group by giving at least 3 ideas for construction,
staying on topic and building off others ideas and thoughts.
( 3 ) Student actively contributed to the group by giving at least 2 ideas for construction,
staying on topic most often, and supplies support and constructive criticism at times.
( 2 ) Student rarely contributed to the group by giving at least 1 idea for construction.
Conversations often off topic with little support to others in the group.
( 1 ) Student never contributes to the group by not giving any ideas for construction.
Conversation is always off topic and offers no support to others.
Preparation
( 4 ) Student is always prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 3 ) Student is usually prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 2 ) Student is rarely prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
( 1 ) Student is never prepared for class with materials, lab book, packet and supplies.
Building Design
( 4 ) Lab report shows clear progression in building design modifying hypothesis and structure
as went along. Active thinking processes
( 3 ) Lab report shows some progression in building design modifying hypothesis and structure
as went along. Active thinking processes.
( 2 ) Lab report shows little progression in building design and modification of hypothesis and
structure as went along. Lack of thinking processes shown.
( 1 ) Lab report shows no progression in building design and modifying hypothesis and
structure as went along. No thinking processes.
Height
( 4 ) Structure measures 1 meter tall or greater
( 3 ) Structure measures 90 centimeters or above
( 2 ) Structure measures 60 to 90 centimeters
( 1 ) Structure measures 59 meters or below
Stability
( 4 ) Structure clearly is able to stand on its own for at least 1 minute. Little tilt or sway.
( 3 ) Structure is able to stand on its own for at least 1 minute with some tilt and swaying.
( 2 ) Structure is barely able to stand on its own for 1 minute.
( 1 ) Structure not able is able to stand on its own for at least 1 minute.
Durability
( 4 ) Structure clearly able to hold 250 grams for at least 1 minute.
( 3 ) Structure able to hold 250 grams for 30 seconds or 200 – 249 grams for 1 min.
( 2 ) Structure able to hold 250rams for less than 30 seconds or 150 – 199 grams for 1 min.
( 1 ) Structure not able to hold 250 grams or able to hold 100 grams or less.
Total---->
__________
Monday, October 1, 2007
note cards - science skills
Opportunity/Strategy for you to Review
Complete note cards for the following list of terms, definitions and formulas.
Use them as a means to review each night before you fall asleep. LEAVE THEM AT HOME, BY YOUR BED!!!!!!!!!
WRITE NEATLY SO THAT THE CARDS ARE A TOOL TO HELP YOU MEMORIZE MATERIAL.
Terms
Observe: using your five senses
Classify: grouping
Organize: ordering
Measure: quantity, capacity, dimensions , frequency or distance.
Hypothesize: an educated guess; suggested solution
Infer: drawing a conclusion based on facts and observations
Predict: to declare beforehand
Analyze: carefully studying, examining and picking apart.
Model: replica or copy; mimicking.
Complete note cards for the following list of terms, definitions and formulas.
Use them as a means to review each night before you fall asleep. LEAVE THEM AT HOME, BY YOUR BED!!!!!!!!!
WRITE NEATLY SO THAT THE CARDS ARE A TOOL TO HELP YOU MEMORIZE MATERIAL.
Terms
Observe: using your five senses
Classify: grouping
Organize: ordering
Measure: quantity, capacity, dimensions , frequency or distance.
Hypothesize: an educated guess; suggested solution
Infer: drawing a conclusion based on facts and observations
Predict: to declare beforehand
Analyze: carefully studying, examining and picking apart.
Model: replica or copy; mimicking.
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