PVC Dart Launcher Build Activity DRAFT Purpose: 1. To work in a group to build and successfully launch a dart. 2. To answer a question we have about the dart launcher or the dart’s flight. 3. To optimize the dart’s launch and flight to achieve maximum range. Procedure: Each group will be given the materials to create a dart launcher. Each group will be testing a different variable (launch angle, balloon pull distance, dart straw length, etc.) keeping all other variables the same. Each group wants to determine the best arrangement for maximum range. Each group will experiment and then all groups will report out. As a class we will determine the final set-up of a dart launcher to achieve maximum range for a competition across all classes. Each group will get the following identical materials (unused materials should be returned):  Two balloons  Two straws  6” length of PVC pipe  Some duct tape as needed  Two foam darts The basic instructions for the dart launcher: 1. Cut the straight neck off of the balloon leaving the larger round part. Stretch the round part over one end of your PVC pipe about an inch and secure in place with duct tape. 2. Insert the straw into the end of the foam dart; you can secure with a little bit of duct tape. Don’t use too much or you will impede the dart when it leaves the PVC pipe. 3. To launch, drop the dart with straw down into the pipe. Being sure to aim away from any people or property pull back on the balloon without catching the straw and release. 4. Retrieve your dart for reuse. Questions to discuss with your lab group:  How can we determine how high the dart goes when launched straight up?  How can we consistently launch the dart each time?  How can we make it do higher? What about farther?  What happens if we pull back on the balloon farther or not as far?  What happens if the straw is longer or shorter? Data Collection: Think about the variables that are other groups are testing (launch angle, balloon pull distance, dart straw length, etc.). Realize that the variables that you are not testing must be the same for each and every launch. If you change more than one thing each time you have not tested a single variable but multiple ones. Therefore you cannot determine which changes resulted in maximum range. Make sure that you are accurately and concisely recording data in your lab notebook. You should conduct at least three trials for each change you make in your variable. For instance, if you are testing different length straws, test each length of straw three times.