Physical Science Lab

[haven chuck]

Is there anything about what this event actually is?

[dudeincolorado]

sounds like physics lab in c

[Mr. Cool]

it's basically simple machines from last year.

[Pleiades]

It's a two part event. The first part is a lab about energy. You'll see the different stuff you need to know once the rules come out in a few weeks. The second part is called Alternative Energy. What you do is build a solar collector that will raise the temperature of water. Some examples of what to make it out of are: cardboard, aluminum foil, reflective fabric or material, glue, tape, mirrors, and tiles. When done, it must fit inside a 70cm cube. A 200 watt bulb will be used. According to the rules it seems like the distance from the bulb to the water will be different at every competition. The formula is: Increase in temperature + highest rate of increase in a five minute period = final score. Each part of the event is worth 50% of your final score.

[haven chuck]

How did you find that out?

[rock thrower]

This years (2009) task is to build a blade assembly that captures wind energy and generates voltage. The blades get attached to a CD. The score is based on power generated by high and low speed fans. They also have a testing part.

[Pleiades]

Hmm thats not what I heard. Oh well. So it's basically like the trial event Wind Power? Great, they HAVE to pick the event that the team from my state got first place in at nationals

[fleet130]

Note: Soinc.org has the information for Physics Lab (a division C event) posted under Physical Science Lab (a division B event).

[mellolover]

what are some good lightweight plastics we can use for our blades
we needd help we are getting mad. sop heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ichaelm]

what are some good lightweight plastics we can use for our blades
we needd help we are getting mad. sop heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's worked for me:

* The sides of styrofoam bowls. Angle them so that air leaves the CD at an angle.
* Plastic plates. Cut off the sides and use the bottom as a means to extend the CD to maximum dimensions.
* Packing tape. Take a piece of packing tape and lay it sticky side up on the table. Take another piece of tape and lay it sticky side down on the first piece. Cut and paste as needed.

Remember though: If you extend the CD to max dimensions, you add weight. Good luck!