Ping-Pong Ball Launcher

A Freshman Engineering Design Project
Developed by P.K. Imbrie, Texas A&M University
(Currently at Purdue University)

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Overview:

The project entails designing, analyzing, constructing and reporting on a launcher which will propel a Ping-Pong ball, in flight, for any distance from as little as one foot to a maximum of thirty five feet and have the Ping-Pong ball impact a target point with the highest degree of accuracy.  Each team will be responsible for preparing a project proposal, developing the design itself, and writing a final report.  This team project is the “Integrated Project” portion of the students’ final grade in Chemistry, Engineering, English, Math and Physics. 
Learning Objectives or Student Outcomes:

By the end of this project, students will be able to work as a team to

1.       complete and orally present a proposal for a Ping-Pong ball launcher which will propel a Ping-Pong ball, in flight, for any distance from as little as one foot to a maximum of thirty five feet and have the Ping-Pong ball impact a target point with the highest degree of accuracy;

2.       analyze and construct the designed launcher;

3.       demonstrate the completed design; and complete and submit a final written report on the design process.

Length of Lesson:

This project is generally one of two or three in a semester.  The length of the lesson will vary depending on a few factors: the amount of in-class time allotted to the project; the amount of out-of-class time deemed necessary by the instructor; and any other activities which are taking place during the duration of the project.

Assignment(s) to Ensure Student Preparation:

Although there are no specific assignments to ensure student preparation, this project is the “Integrated Project” portion of the students’ final grade in Chemistry, Engineering, English, Mathematics and Physics; knowledge obtained in these concurrent courses will therefore contribute to the project. 

Team Size/Composition:

Teams of 4 work best; if necessary, a few teams of 3 or 5 students may be formed.

How is positive interdependence ensured?

Each team works together to complete and present one project proposal, to analyze and construct one launcher, and to write one final report.

How is individual accountability built in to the project?

The first point at which individual accountability is ensured is during the proposal presentation.  Questions may be addressed toward the entire team or to one individual only.  Each member of the team must be familiar with every aspect of the proposal.  At the conclusion of the project, peer assessments may be done to further ensure individual accountability. 

Basis or Components of Assessment:

Students will be provided with extensive proposal and report guidelines.  Students must successfully present their proposal to the faculty team in both written and oral form before they are given permission to begin construction on their designs.  Final assessment will be based on the finished design product, the demonstration of that product, and the written report. 

Team Skills Needed for Success:

All team members must have the ability to communicate, cooperate and collaborate; they must also feel free to share their own ideas and to give and receive constructive feedback.

How Are Team Skills Emphasized?

These skills are emphasized by the entire project, but perhaps by the oral presentation of the proposal more than anything else, where they need to work together to ensure complete preparation of all individuals.

Materials Needed by Students:

• Materials chosen for project design
• PowerPoint software
• Computer

Materials Needed by Instructor:

PowerPoint presentation system for proposal presentations

Content Lesson Links:

Instruction to Students

Proposal Requirements and Guidelines

                                        Lesson   |   Instruction to Students |  Proposal Requirements and Guidelines 

©2002, P.K. Imbrie                                           

These materials may be duplicated for educational purposes if properly credited.