The project was very successful, and I learned a lot about energy transfer through the product I made. In conclusion, here is a presentation of my product in photo and video:

How it works

When the can is rolled across a flat surface, the initial kinetic energy created from the rolling action is converted into elastic strain energy as the rubber band is twisted due to the weight of the coins, as shown in the model below:

The materials were relatively easy to obtain, as only 4 simple materials were needed:

• 1 Pringles can
• 1 Rubber band
• 1 Piece of masking tape
• 4-5 coins

Throughout the testing of the product, there was a problem where the can would roll and suddenly jump and the rubber band would become stuck, making the can unable to roll back. The problem was solved by twisting the lid of the can 180 degrees. The solution was very successful, as the end result made the product very easy and smooth to roll.

Something I would need to improve in the product would be durability because the rubber band on two sides of the can was about to break due to the sharp edges of the cut holes.

I quickly saved it by attaching a piece of tape to each side, temporarily preventing it from breaking. In addition, due to the pull of the rubber band, the two sides of the can became warped and started to cave in.

From the feedback I received by various classmates, I found that most of them said that my product was very interesting or particularly fun. This could potentially become a toy for small kids aged 5-7 as it consists of only 4 materials you can easily get at home. This is environmentally friendly because parents would not need to purchase new toys and throw them away once their kids get bored with it 👍

In one class, I was able to finish the boomerang can, as it didn’t require a lot of materials or a complicated manufacturing process to complete. In addition, I politely invited various classmates in the same period that I was working to sign a piece of paper that I would then stick onto the can:

Interior of the can:

However, when testing the product, there was a problem where the can would suddenly jump and become stuck when it was rolled and the rubber band would not be able to twist itself making the can unable to roll back👇

To solve the problem, I found out that twisting the lid of the can by about 180 degrees in any direction would perfectly solve the problem:

The end result was spectacular, as it became extremely smooth to roll the can and it could perfectly roll back. to secure the twist of the rubber band, I attached two pieces of masking tape on the edges of the can that are connected to the lid so the rubber band would stay in the twisted position.

Video of the result 👇

Before continuing to improve the product, I collected some feedback from my classmates to help see if there are any places that I need to fix for the product.

Feedback from classmates:

Jayden: “Very interesting idea, and smart mechanism to use rubber bands and convert kinetic energy into elastic strain energy, then back to kinetic energy.”

froge: “It’s a very creative idea, and I liked the design of the can. It is interesting that it can convert energy twice.”

Eric: “I think the idea is very cool. Especially the interior design is very good.”

Anonymous person: “The idea is very good except the product may not be very durable.”

Taylor: “I think it’s very creative and precise. It uses pretty few materials to create such an entertaining product.”

Ada: “I think your design is very slay (cool). The concept is very interesting.”

Agnes: “Very cool. It didn’t use a lot of materials, but it works very well.”

Eddie: “I like the idea of using elastic energy because this is one of the only products that showcases it well.”

Kankan: “I really like the outside design, it’s very elegant, and there are no unnecessary parts. The outside design is very sleek and I like the idea of using an everyday object.”

Robin: “Very fun.”

From the feedback, it can be implied that there isn’t much to improve for my product. It looks like everyone is satisfied with my product! 😽

After deciding to build a boomerang can, the simple design and manufacturing process allowed me to draw a detailed model of the can and what happens when the machine is in motion.

Product Model:

The initial model shows the can when it is not moving, and we can see that there are only 4 simple materials needed to make the product. These are:

• 1 Pringles Can
• 1 Rubber band
• 1 piece of masking tape
• 4-5 coins

When the can is rolled across a flat surface, the initial kinetic energy created from the rolling action is converted into elastic strain energy as the rubber band is twisted due to the weight of the coins, as shown in the model below:

Since the project started last Wednesday (Feb 15), to finish the project in the time I created a schedule to plan the materials.

2.15: Start Define and Inquire blog post

2.17: N/A (Absent due to Beijing Arts Festival)

2.21: Start and complete Develop and Plan blog post

2.23: Bring all materials, start making product

2.27: Finish project, complete Create and Improve and Reflect and Share blog posts

I am very excited to build and have a lot of fun in this project! 🤭

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.