Marshmallow Launcher Project
The Goal: Build a device that can launch a standard-size, campfire S’mores marshmallow (not a mini or
micro hot chocolate marshmallow).
The Challenge: The marshmallow must land between 100 cm-150 cm from the release point.
The Catch: Your launcher can only be made with the following: paper, cardboard, white or wood glue,
hot glue, scotch tape (no duct tape, masking tape, packing tape), rubber bands. You can use any or all of
the materials. You can earn extra points if your device has adjustable settings that allows the
marshmallow to be launched to different pre-set distances. Extra points will be awarded by teacher’s
discretion based on the level of ingenuity of your device.
The Details:
Work alone or in a group of 2 (no more than 2 people in a group!!!)
Due Tuesday 10/12; late work will be penalized accordingly!
You device must work via stored energy (you may not put human energy into the device to launch the
marshmallow)
What do I need to turn in?
On the due date, you must have: your device, your data and calculations, and a discussion of errors
(typed)
The Calculations:
You must test your device for a minimum of three trials at home before the due date. Measure the
distance the marshmallow travels from the release point. Measure the time of flight of the
marshmallow. Organize your data in a table. Calculate averages for your three trials. Include the
averages in your data table.
Use the data you have collected (in appropriate units) to calculate the initial velocity of the
marshmallow and the launch angle (do not use a protractor for the angle). Show all your work in a neat
and organized fashion. Include equations, units, box your answers. Make sure that you are using proper
significant figures according to your equipment.
Discussion of Errors: In addition to your data and calculations, you must turn in a discussion of the
possible sources of errors present in your data collection and calculations. This must be typed.
Function
Construction
Materials
Calculations
Discussion
of Errors
Structure
functions
extraordinarily
well,
marshmallow
can hit target
range 3 times.
Structure
functions well,
marshmallow
can hit target
range 2 times.
Structure
functions pretty
well,
marshmallow
can hit target
range 1 time.
Flaws in
function,
marshmallow
cannot hit
target range.
Fatal flaws in
function,
marshmallow
fails to
launch.
10 pts
8 pts
6 pts
2 pts
0 pts
Materials used
fell within
guidelines,
exceptional
creativity
displayed.
10 pts
Calculations
show firm
understanding
of projectile
motion.
Equations, units,
sig figs are
correct.
Materials used
fell within
guidelines,
some creativity
displayed.
Materials used
fell within
guidelines.
Materials used
outside of
guidelines
given.
8 pts
Calculations
show firm
understanding
of projectile
motion.
6 pts
Calculations
provided
contain some
mistakes.
0-5 pts
Calculations
provided
contain
multiple
mistakes.
10 pts
Discussion of
Errors show firm
understanding
of sources of
error in the
project. Proper
grammar is
used.
Discussion is
typed.
8 pts
Discussion of
Errors shows
understanding
of some of the
sources of
error. Proper
grammar is
used.
Discussion is
typed.
2 pts
Discussion of
errors shows
little
understanding
of sources of
error.
0 pts
Not included.
10 pts
8 pts
6 pts
Discussion of
Errors show
understanding
of some of the
sources of
error.
Grammar
contains some
mistakes.
Discussion is
typed.
6 pts
2 pts
0 pts
No
calculations
included.