Bringing the Hammer Down!

Your challenge is to build a simple machine that will harness the power of a falling hammer in order to shoot a soaking wet tennis ball the furthest distance possible.

As the hammer falls from a 90 degree (horizontal position) it should impact/hit your simple machine causing a chain reaction or catapult type motion. Seriously.... Just build it about anyway you can to get your machine to fire!

Group Size: 
Individual or groups of 2

Materials:
Just about anything we can find in the shop. The total $$ amount of material used should not exceed $10 so we will try and utilize scraps and short ends as much as possible.

• Wood, metal, plastic, old toy parts, etc. Go for it!
• Wood is usually easier to work with but if you want specific parts made from metal for strength (axles, etc) than ask the teacher for help on creating what idea you have. 

Limitations:
The footprint/base of your project should not exceed 24"x24" (60cmx60cm) and it should not weigh more than 15 pounds.

Design time!

Before you begin construction you should begin by creating an idea map and any research you may need to harness the power of gravity and weight. At least a rough draft of plans are required before cutting up materials (which you should always ask permission for first anyways!!!) 
​

Marks/Rubric

Plans/Design  _____ 40
orthographic plans, research, mind maps, rough drafts, drawings on napkins, etc

Looks/aesthetics _____ / 20
Does is look symmetrical? Does it look like trash? 

Distance  ______ / 40
Marks will be scaled based on the class average and farthest throw
Rough estimation for marks as shown below.
0-4 feet - 0 marks
5-9 feet  - 5 Marks
10-14 feet - 10 Marks
15-19 feet - 15 Marks
20-24 feet - 20 Marks
25-29 feet - 25 Marks
30-34 feet - 30 Marks

TOTAL _____/100