Activity Content Sections
GETTING READY
Make a set of identical trampoline bases. Each base needs to be rigid enough to support the fabric cutouts, as well as have an easy way for participants to attach and adjust the tension of the fabric cutouts. K’NEX pieces work well for this, as it’s easy to wrap cloth around K’NEX rods and secure them with clips. The trampoline frame shown below is one example, but you can create a different version. Or, if time allows, you can have participants design their own trampoline frame.
Designate a space where a facilitator can introduce the activity to participants and where participants can receive their trampoline bases and select their fabric cutouts. The hair ties, cloth loops, and badge clips should be available on an array of tables where participants may also construct their trampolines.
Prepare a series of testing stations near a wall. Tape fabric measuring tapes vertically along the wall, aligning the zero of the measuring tape with the top of the table. Mark each tape with the 100cm dropping point.
Assemble one trampoline for participants as an example of what they are about to create.
INTRODUCTION
Introduce the activity to participants by saying the following, adapted for your audience:
Materials engineers explore, test, and document every attribute of the materials that they work with, such as stretchiness or stiffness. What sort of material would you need to design the most bouncy trampoline, making a golf ball rebound as high as possible from a 100cm drop? Put your ideas to the test! Then prototype and test a miniature trampoline, trying out different structural arrangements and different materials.
Instructions
Divide participants into small teams. Show teams the materials. Demonstrate the trampoline testing process with the example trampoline, calling attention to the strategy for recording bounce height and maintaining consistent testing parameters. Distribute one trampoline base and golf ball to each team. Instruct teams as follows:
- Plan: Explore the materials available. Which materials are the stiffest or the most flexible? How can you attach materials to the trampoline base? With your teammates, set a goal to achieve the highest or the lowest bounce. Brainstorm different combinations of materials you could use to design your trampoline. Think of many different possible solutions and discuss them with your team. Determine which materials you will use and how you will attach all of your components to the trampoline base.
- Create: Construct your design with the materials you have selected.
- Test: Bring your trampoline to the testing station and align it under the tape measure. Hold a golf ball at the 100cm mark and drop it. Have a partner observe and record the bounce height of the golf ball’s bounce. Test the same design several times.
- Improve: How could you make an even better trampoline? Will you change the surface material or the method of attaching the material to the base? Make improvements to your design and test it again.
ACTIVITY VARIATIONS
Have students assemble their own trampoline bases.
Use digital sensors to read bounce heights.
Give options for the objects being dropped on to the trampolines.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If participants are having trouble getting their balls to bounce, make sure the fabric is not way too loose or way too taut.
Relevant Terminology
Elasticity: The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or pulled. Rubber bands have elastic characteristics.
Kinetic energy: The energy of motion.
Iteration: The process of repeatedly testing and refining to reach a desired target or result.
Potential energy: Stored energy. Anything that isn’t moving but can has potential energy.
Prototype: An initial model of something from which other variations or innovations are developed.
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