AP Physics Experiment - Tower/Bridge/Boat - 3 in 1

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on three physics experiments: a Paper/Tape Tower, a Paper/Toothpick Bridge, and a Paper/Wood Boat. The user seeks guidance on crafting these projects, particularly focusing on structural integrity and design principles. Key suggestions include using a triangular base for the tower and an X-pattern for the bridge to enhance strength. The user has also explored various online resources for additional insights into building techniques and material comparisons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to structures
  • Familiarity with crafting materials such as paper, tape, toothpicks, and wood
  • Knowledge of design concepts like triangular bases and truss bridges
  • Ability to interpret project rubrics and guidelines
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Building Strong Paper Structures" for effective design techniques
  • Learn about "Truss Bridge Design Principles" to optimize bridge strength
  • Explore "Material Strength Comparisons" between wood and bamboo toothpicks
  • Investigate "Measuring Weight Without a Scale" for project accuracy
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students engaged in physics projects, educators providing guidance on engineering concepts, and hobbyists interested in structural design and crafting techniques.

vom53
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Homework Statement


I am having trouble building and coming up with ideas for my projects.
3 separate experiments:
1. Paper/Tape Tower
2. Paper/Toothpick Bridge
3. Paper/Wood Boat

I have been criticized for my horrible crafting/building/drawing skills. If possible, please explain in steps and possibly provide some pictures. Thank you.

Note: Rubrics for each project are in the attachments.

Homework Equations


Concepts do applied, but no equations are necessary.

The Attempt at a Solution


My research online includes:
Code: 
[PLAIN]http://www.learner.org/catalog/resources/activities/sact9806/sact9806-2.html"[/PLAIN] 
[URL]http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:o7u59tuNDgoJ:education.sdsc.edu/download/enrich/bridges.pdf+physics+bridge+experiment+tricks&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESi_jk8q1PM0WjzW5m1nn0Hc0OaOXCZjg_kuahLhmVBL-EM1tHjNCUEH_bXun0DLWWrkFgpbw324NZnLQD_xd4ROwto2fwp7OGk-ByiJiV30VivydpIHs8jw1VQftKl85kjkukyd&sig=AHIEtbRYCN-gIEV4jcBtyWVBo0eN5iuV_g&pli=1"[/URL]
[URL]http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100514081407AAFW0JI"[/URL]
[URL]http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100116101346AAWhOoZ"[/URL]
[PLAIN]http://mrlewisclassroom.tripod.com/project1.htm"[/PLAIN] 
[PLAIN]http://www.pisymphony.com/toothpick/toothpick1.htm"[/PLAIN] 
[PLAIN]http://www.gravitykills.net/PhysicsOlympics/Bridge.htm"[/PLAIN]

For the Tower, I was thinking about a triangular base to support long strips going upwards.
For the Bridge, I was thinking of making a X pattern to support the weight.
For the Boat, I was thinking of using a shape similar to one of those Southern Vietnamese rafts.
 

Attachments

Last edited by a moderator:
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vom53 said:

Homework Statement


I am having trouble building and coming up with ideas for my projects.
3 separate experiments:
1. Paper/Tape Tower
2. Paper/Toothpick Bridge
3. Paper/Wood Boat

I have been criticized for my horrible crafting/building/drawing skills. If possible, please explain in steps and possibly provide some pictures. Thank you.

Note: Rubrics for each project are in the attachments.

Homework Equations


Concepts do applied, but no equations are necessary.

The Attempt at a Solution


My research online includes:
Code: 
[PLAIN]http://www.learner.org/catalog/resources/activities/sact9806/sact9806-2.html"[/PLAIN] 
[URL]http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:o7u59tuNDgoJ:education.sdsc.edu/download/enrich/bridges.pdf+physics+bridge+experiment+tricks&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESi_jk8q1PM0WjzW5m1nn0Hc0OaOXCZjg_kuahLhmVBL-EM1tHjNCUEH_bXun0DLWWrkFgpbw324NZnLQD_xd4ROwto2fwp7OGk-ByiJiV30VivydpIHs8jw1VQftKl85kjkukyd&sig=AHIEtbRYCN-gIEV4jcBtyWVBo0eN5iuV_g&pli=1"[/URL]
[URL]http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100514081407AAFW0JI"[/URL]
[URL]http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100116101346AAWhOoZ"[/URL]
[PLAIN]http://mrlewisclassroom.tripod.com/project1.htm"[/PLAIN] 
[PLAIN]http://www.pisymphony.com/toothpick/toothpick1.htm"[/PLAIN] 
[PLAIN]http://www.gravitykills.net/PhysicsOlympics/Bridge.htm"[/PLAIN]

For the Tower, I was thinking about a triangular base to support long strips going upwards.
For the Bridge, I was thinking of making a X pattern to support the weight.
For the Boat, I was thinking of using a shape similar to one of those Southern Vietnamese rafts.

Welcome to the PF.

Let's take them one at a time. What makes a good tower? That's an exercise that I'm familiar with from a team building exercise that I help with a couple times a year.
 
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Sorry about the late reply.
There was a log-in problem. I tried different computers and reseting the internet and finally was able to log in.

Mr. Berkeman, thank you for helping me with this experiment.
Let's start.

For the tower, the base is the most important.
I tried setting a triangular base as Prototype 1 and then a base like those you seen in those camera stands as Prototype 2.
Both prototype were unsuccessful, but the good base makes a good tower.

What is the next step, Mr. Berkeman?
 
vom53 said:
Sorry about the late reply.
There was a log-in problem. I tried different computers and reseting the internet and finally was able to log in.

Mr. Berkeman, thank you for helping me with this experiment.
Let's start.

For the tower, the base is the most important.
I tried setting a triangular base as Prototype 1 and then a base like those you seen in those camera stands as Prototype 2.
Both prototype were unsuccessful, but the good base makes a good tower.

What is the next step, Mr. Berkeman?

How do you propose building the rest of the tower?
 
I tried two methods:

The first method was building tubes and connect it on top of each other onto the base.

The second method was established using the base and have three pillars and then another base and then three pillars and then finally one big pillar on top.
 
berkeman said:
How do you propose building the rest of the tower?

berkeman, I figured out how to do the tower and the boat.

However, I need your guidance on the bridge.
I plan to build a Truss bridge (the standard) one.

I review the restrictions and also ask my teacher, but still am unsure about the restrictions.

berkeman, may you please explain the restrictions of the bridge for me? (The rubric is in my first post)

Also which is stronger: US wood toothpick or bamboo toothpick (China)...
 
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berkeman said:
How do you propose building the rest of the tower?
How can I measure grams without a scale?
 
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