VELARS Build Rubric
The goal of this build is to build the safest projectile launcher / recovery system.
You will work with your team to research and design the perfect Vertical Egg Launcher & Recovery System. You will be graded on 3
aspects of the system. You will be competing against the teams in BOTH AP Physics classes.
Launch:
The system will launch the projectile. It must be an independent device from the projectile.
The system CAN use a number of energy sources: elastic, muscle, compressed gas. (it may NOT be thrown)
The system may NOT use: combustion, chemical (other than producing SAFE compressed gas), electrical.
The system must be safe in the eyes of the instructor. Any system which is deemed potentially unsafe will be disqualified,
and receive 3 points lower than the lowest score earned by any other team.
Projectile:
The projectile’s time in the air will be timed. Points will be awarded based upon hang time. The projectile must have a
compartment designed to contain one, standard sized chicken egg.
The projectile may be a fixed wing, flex wing, or parachute deploying device.
The projectile may NOT use: electric power for flight, combustion, or lighter than air gas.
The instructor retains the right to limit the use of other devices intended to bypass the spirit of the competition.
Landing Safety:
The projectile must land safely and protect its egg. Since deployments can fail, protective packaging is a recommended. The
container must be designed so that it can be opened and closed easily. This means no huge layers of duct tape to permanently
seal it.
The more damaged the egg, the greater the penalty.
While Room 317 has various oddities that can be made available, including large numbers of rubber bands, your team will be
responsible for scrounging up additional parts to build your VELARS.
Construction can take place during class, but some build time at home could avoid a time crunch. The final day of class will be used to
compete between the teams.
Scoring (based on 30 points)
Energy: No restricted energy source may be used. -10 pt penalty
Damage: Cracked – 2, Damaged (must open to see) – 4, Destroyed (obvious upon landing) -6
Safety: Lowest score -3 pt and not allowed to compete.
Paperwork:
Construction:
Ranking:
Teams are to turn in the following (which will be scored for completion and quality):
Blueprint or design diagram (7 pts)
Detailed parts list (6 pts)
Team name and team members (2 pts)
Design/Theme (5 pts)
Points will be awarded for competition placing.
Time in air: Longest time (2 trials)
Ranking Scores:
1st Place - 10 points (* and enshrined in a place of honor in Room 317)
2nd & 3rd Place - 9 points
4th & 5th Place - 8 points
6th & 7th Place - 7 points
8th & 9th Place - 6 points
10th & 11th Place - 5 points
12th Place - 4 points
Score Sheet
Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trial 1
Time
Trial 2
Time
Place
Score
Energy
Penalty
Safety
Penalty