Physics to the Rescue

Disaster strikes and critical supplies are needed! Who will get relief to those in need? The students in our Problem Solving in Physics class, of course!

Disaster risk reduction refers to the systematic efforts and strategies put in place to minimize the impacts of disasters on individuals, communities, and societies. „The goal of disaster risk reduction is to enhance resilience and preparedness, mitigate the vulnerabilities that contribute to disasters, and promote sustainable development to prevent or minimize the negative effects of natural or human-induced hazards,“ explained JK-12 Mathematics Department Chair Diane Broberg. „While each emergency requires a different response, the delivery of critical supplies provides relief to those in the midst of a disaster.“

She used this scenario to help her students explore the principles of projectile motion while developing a projectile launcher that can demonstrate successful delivery of critical emergency supplies in a capsule. Students had a goal to launch their projectiles at least 10 meters and land within a one-meter square space. They launched their projectiles from three different angles.

In the Biggs Family Makerspace, students used CAD to create their „medical supplies“ and printed them via the 3D printers. They designed and built launchers using engineering principles, taking time to research and then draw two designs. After choosing one, they built working prototypes. The prototypes allowed them to make a materials list and then construct their actual launchers. „All groups had to redesign and modify their launchers after testing,“ Broberg said. Just like actual engineers!

They had a lot of fun competing with each other and launching their disaster supply medical kits in the STEM Courtyard. Way to go, physicists!