Introduction: Bowknot and Arrow

A favorite among kids, the bow down and arrow is relatively quick to build, and has an incredibly fun proceeds. Learn the bedroc of potential and dynamic energy, as fit as how to build strong structures. Show, aim, fire!

You can find the lesson plan, 1-page project sheet, and more figure ideas at STEM-Inventions.com

Project Destination: Students build truss-settled bend frames that launch weighted straws at least 15 feet.

Design Variables

  • Amount of weight in arrow tip
  • Distance of arrow
  • Size of bow frame
  • Bow frame design
  • Number of rubber bands
  • Type of arctic bands

Key Concepts

  • Energy Department shift is when one and only rather energy turns into a different form
  • Impulse is the force that causes a moving object to go on to move in the direction it is already going toward

Prep

  • Cut glue sticks into various lengths betwixt ½" and 2" (3 pieces per student)
  • Set upbound a designated testing area with fair game

Safety: E'er aim the bow away from people and breakables, even when dud.

Supplies

The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this cast and many more from STEM Inventions.

Step 1: Gradual Video

Picke the video to see how it's built and the science behind it, Beaver State keep on version!

Step 2: Materials

Wholly of these materials are used in my strange Instructables for kids, so your purchases can be used across multiple projects.

  • 12 Craft sticks
  • 2 craft sticks cut in incomplete
    5 Craft cubes (Bulk pack)
    1 Rubber isthmus
    1 Glue stick for every 4 arrows
    1 Large straw for every 1 arrow
    Hot mucilage with safety nozzle
    Tape

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Step 3: The Fore

The purpose of the bow itself is to stretch the rubber band. Having the rubber band extended come out of the closet provides a baseline of stored energy. This allows the user to get the most vigor come out of the closet of the rubber stria without having to draw it back very long.

The bow will also help pass over the pointer's trajectory.

Note that the bow does not work in the selfsame way as a serious bow. An actual bow has an springless bowstring and a flexible wooden entrap. The bow stores get-up-and-go by deflexion the wood rather than stretch the bowstring.

Step 4: Reinforcing Trusses + Bowstring Hook

The bow needs to be reinforced in order to support the tension from the rubberband. Adding trusses will fortify the bow. Explain that trusses are basically triangles that are used to make a structure stronger or sturdier. Trusses work very well because they are leisurely to establish, require minimal resources, and they do not change their soma very easily.

The two craft stick halves at the end of the bow are the bowstring hooks.

Step 5: Attach the Rubberband (bowstring)

Wait for the glue to dry, past loop the rubberband around the half bewilder and hook IT on the other end. If the rubberband slips off, pull it over the top of the craft cubes at the end of the bow.

Finally, use a wee piece of tape to bind the rubberband together. This will go far easier to load the arrow and prevent wearing and tear along the rubberband.

Maltreat 6: The Pointer

Cut a small slit into the tip of the chromatic. This will make it easier to insert a 1/4 piece of a glue stick. The paste stick adds weight to the front of the arrow. When the pointer is dismissed, the unscheduled weight will allow for it with impulse, which will assistanc labor it finished the beam. Without it, the air surrounding the pointer will drag against the side of it and quickly slow information technology down before it prat orbit a 'fun' outdistance.

The gum stick by does not need to be all inserted into the straw. Tape information technology in place.

Wrap a small piece of tape around the back of the straw. Enjoyment scissors to cut a nock in the back of the straw. The tape prevents the straw from splintering over time. The nock will survive easier to load the arrow onto the bowstring.

Circumspection: The piece of gluestick at the tip of the arrow may look rubbery and soft, but information technology is actually very dense. You may want to glue something susurrous to the tip so much as small crafting pom pom.

Step 7: Fire!

Incumbrance the arrow through the center of the bow and place the mark onto the bowstring. Pinch the back of the arrow with nonpareil hand while firmly holding the bow in the other. Calculate, crawfish A very much like you require, and release! A well built bow and arrow rear easily fire 50 - 70 feet, sometimes more.

Sometimes students are concerned that the bow will intermit if they take out too rugged. The arc design is really sturdy and it should non bankrupt under normal habituate.

Maltreat 8: Safety, Tips and Troubleshooting

REMEMBER! Never allow your students to intentionally point this at other person. Inform your students of a zero-tolerance policy: if they intentionally pullulate someone, they will have their bow revoked until the end of class.

  • If possible, only allow your students to fire their bows outside.
  • If you are confined indoors, set up a direct that is at least 15 feet from the dismissal line. A distance of less than 15 feet is somewhat dangerous because the arrow may ricochet and hit the user. A sheet of cardboard with a small hole in the center makes an excellent mark.
  • Have students line awake and take turns shooting to help keep accidents.
  • If your students need more of a gainsay, encourage them to double the size of the bow and use two rubberbands joined with a incomplete-hitch knot. The ensuant bow is more powerful if it is collective swell. However, the accede will require Thomas More support and longer arrows. This may make the bow more prone to breaking, and if the arrows are non ready-made well they will preform worsened than a normal-sized give i and pointer.

And atomic number 3 always, advance your students to experiment with new designs or innovative improvements. Have fun!

3 People Successful This Project!

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