Learn . Create . Succeed: Physics

Gravity Simulation Ball in Bowl for FIRST Robotics

Marie Planchard — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:45:35 -0500

How does gravity play a roll in a ball dropped into a spherical bowl? You can simulate the physical condition with SolidWorks. This was asked of a FIRST Robotics member who saw a similar movie somewhere on YouTube. Physical behavior is determined by the mates. For example, a tangent mate was created between the ball and a bowl. A coincident mate is also created between the Front Plane. Then gravity was added to the ball.

The movie file shows the result and the part and assembly files are below. Marie

Movie: bowlandball.avi

Model Files: Download gavity_ball_and_bowl.zip

The Changing Earth

Corporal Willy — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:06:48 -0500

As all science teachers know the earth is constantly changing but usually at a pace that is very small and not very discernable, unless a major physical event happens. Major events have been happening with more frequency lately than we would normally expect or want. Is the world in turmoil or is it just an evolutionary geological cycle in the natural order of things? This controversy goes on and on by the world’s leading scientists and environmentalists and we know that things are changing but can we intervene in the right way is the big question. We seem to be gaining on our understanding but we aren’t quite there yet. Here is a science project geared for middle school aged children that could help to spark some interest in earth science. Richard.

Download classroom_science_project_in_seismology.doc

F1inSchools Race Car Design Project

Marie Planchard — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:08:01 -0400

SolidWorks Education Edition curriculum contains supports F1 in Schools, CO2 power car. Students can experience a design, analyze, build and have fun project in the design of a wooden race car. Students design their car with 3D modeling tools, analyze the car in a virtual wind tunnel, add photorealistic renderings, animations, and create production drawings. Curriculum is available in English, French, German and Spanish in the SolidWorks Education Edition 2008.

Model Files

race_car_design_project_solidworks_2008modelsfinal.zip

Video

solidworks_and_f1_in_schools_streaming.wmv

Determine Mass of an Object

Matthew West — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0500

This lesson uses SolidWorks to determine the mass of an object. Variations of the same object will be drawn, and the lightest object that meets the design requirements will be chosen. Contributed by Brian Moravec.

Lesson:

Download SolidWorks-Lesson-Mass.doc

Math2Go Accelerated Curriculum

Matthew West — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:37:53 -0400

Math2Go Accelerated Curriculum applies science and mathematics concepts to designing a race car. With 10th scale RC Cars, students maximize performance and drive farther, faster, and all while exploring concepts in physics. The Upside Down Wings exercise takes a student through the design and analysis of a spoiler on a car, creating a downward force. Three iterative activities guide the student through design and optimization. Contributed by Ten80Education.

Sample Parts:

Download m2g_accel_platechallenge.zip