Mr. Fizzix Physics

Project Based Learning

"Tell me and I'll forget

Show me and I may remember

Involve me and I'll understand"

                              Chinese Proverb

Mr. Fizzix Physics is based on Project or Inquiry Based Learning. This methodology offers the student an opportunity to apply the theory and concepts learned throughout the course to hands-on applications. This model enhances critical thinking and creative problem solving designed for inquiry based learning. By incorporating teams, it reinforces the ability to communicate and collaborate, define and solve problems, and develop solid skills for the real world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trebuchet

Operation Egg Launch

 

Contemplating an egg-cellent launch

1998 Project

1999 Project

2000 Project

2001 Project

 

 

Operation Egg Launch

Purpose: To reinforce the concepts of acceleration, velocity, force, energy transfer, and torque; and to introduce the concept of projectile motion.

Each year the parameters are changed to allow unique critical thinking.

View the yearly results on the left.

In 2001 we are involved in an Eisenhower Middle Ages in Motion Project 2001 involving five area schools in designing and building a model of a medieval machine called a trebuchet (a gravity driven catapult) , to be launched on the STCC College Green in Spring 2001 You may visit the results of this project by   clicking here.

 

        

Solar Challenge

The Crew

 

Chicopee Comprehensive High School

Solar Challenge

An Academic - Vocational Technical Integration Project

Purpose: To investigate energy conversion of solar power (Photovoltaics), series & parallel cells, drive belts, gears and gear ratios. Materials & design, mechanization and transmission design. Brainstorming between design options to achieve best performance. Working in groups to complete a competitive model.

Rules and Regulations

The object of the Solar Challenge competition is to design and build a vehicle that will complete a race in the shortest possible time using the available power.

Teams are given a kit containing a solar panel and a motor. Using any other materials, competitors will design and build a solar-powered vehicle that will race on a 20-meter race course. The winner of the competition will be the team whose vehicle is the top finisher in a series of head to head elimination rounds.