science challenges

Science Challenge #1

(First we'd like to acknowledge Edmonton Science Outreach Network, who provided prizes in addition to the prizes provided by the school canteen and the “Ice Cream Ladies” of EE 1.)

The Challenge:

Using only the materials provided, your group must construct a pasta cantilever as far out as you can without any part of the structure touching the floor.

You will have approximately 30 minutes to complete this task.

The Materials:

• 30 pieces of uncooked linguine
• 60cm of masking tape
• 1 piece of cardboard measuring 15cm x 15cm taped to the table.

Instructions:

1. You have 30 minutes to complete this task.
2. Build a pasta cantilever as far out as you can without the linguine touching the floor.
3. The pasta cantilever can only be attached to the 15cm x 15cm piece of cardboard.
4. Work in groups of 2 or 3 - no more than this!!!!

The Judging:

A distance the linguine reaches from the table leg directly below the cardboard – WITHOUT TOUCHING THE FLOOR – will be measured.

The Prizes:

A cantilever is essentially a beam that is supported at only one end.

Science Challenge # 2

Students had to construct a boat using a single sheet of aluminum foil measuring 15 cm by 20 cm.  The challenge was to have it hold the most pennies before sinking.

	The team of Chris and Cody were the overall champions.  Their boat held a whopping 126 pennies before sinking.

Science Challenge # 3

The students were challenged to build a free-standing structure to support a golf ball as high in the air as possible.  Each group was given 40 plastic straws, 25 paper clips and 1 metre of masking tape with which to build their structure.  Congratulations to the following winners:

The above individuals all received slurpees courtesy of the canteen at St. Mark.

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