The G9 science class students are investigating and designing a device that can transfer energy. Students create a product that is both functional (showing a clear representation of energy transfer) and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the product displays the effect of environmental impact. The product must be safe to use and long-lasting in order to be manufactured.

Product Ideas:

Cardboard Flashlight

Difficulty rating out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pros

• It looks very aesthetically appealing
• Simple to make

Cons

• Requires dangerous materials

-Wires

-Batteries

-Hot Glue

 

Boomerang Can

Difficulty rating out of 5: ⭐️⭐️

Pros

• Simple to make
• Safe (non-electrical) materials

Cons

• If the can used is a pringles can, there would be a need to purchase a can of pringles as they only exist in supermarkets and convenience stores.

 

Convection Heat Powered Windmill

Difficulty rating out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pros

• Very aesthetically appealing

Cons

• Complicated manufacturing process
• Requires a lot of materials

 

I decided to make a “boomerang can” after watching various videos and reading articles. It’s a can that converts kinetic energy into elastic strain energy when it rolls across the floor or a table. Because it only requires a Pringles can, rubber bands, masking tape, and five coins, this product is extremely simple to make. The twisted rubber bands store elastic strain energy when the can is rolled. When the can comes to a stop, the rubber bands unwind, converting the elastic strain energy back into kinetic energy and moving the can back to its original position. This concept particularly appeals to me because it avoids using potentially hazardous electrical materials such as wires and batteries.