1. The Gravity Games
An Integrated 9th Grade Math, Science and Engineering Curriculum Resource
Robo Educator Authors
Terri Varnado
Dan Ward
Marie Planchard
John Geraghty
Mike Bastoni
Dr. Ken Berry

2. The Concept
Create a 6 week CAD unit that engages students and teachers in an integrated science, math and engineering activity.
Offer students and teachers an “Entry Level” Engineering Challenge that will help them develop the skills necessary to design and build complex mechanisms.
Aligned the CAD unit of study with national content standards in math, science and engineering education.

3. The Vision
CAD is a vehicle through which students and teachers can learn many other things.
Learning can be voluntary, exciting and engaging. Students are capable of deep learning when they are given the proper motivation and resources.

4. Classroom Requirements
PC Computer Lab with CAD Software
Internet Access
Microsoft Office
Adobe Acrobat
Optional Materials
Trebuchet Building Materials
GEARS Invention and Design System
Basic Hand Tools
Accurate Massing Instruments
Accurate Measuring Instruments

5. Educational Resources
Tutorials
Solidworks CAD Tutorials
Geometry Lessons
Physics Lessons
Test Bank
Quiz Questions

6. Example Lessons Math and Science Concepts with Levers
Historical and Cultural Relevance
Golf, basketball, baseball, tennis all utilize round balls. The multi-billion dollar sports industry provides many applications were technology has been implemented, from new materials to new designs.

7. Design, Build Test and Play
The Gravity Games Unit Structure
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Many sport manufacturer’s web sites provide scientific and manufacturing information on how their products physically work. Scott Baugh utilized a revolved base feature to create a sphere. Let your students create a simple ball with a revolved base feature. Measure an actual ball and estimate size. Apply math equations for volume. Bring in physics. Apply kinematic equations (linear motion) with gravity = 9.8m/s2 or 32.2ft/s2. A ball takes off with an initial velocity, V at an angle of A degrees. What range, R does the ball travel? Give example right from your high school science book.
Models can be found on the web sites of many CSWP’s and SolidWorks users.

8. Robo Educators CAD Institute
Concerns
Questions
Comments

9. The Volume of a Cylinder
Note: This is a very small cylinder. These are the dimensions of the holes in the GEARS-IDS 6x9 Plate
R = 0.095”
H = 0.090”
V(cyl) =  r2 H R

10. The Volume of a Rectangular Prism1” 1” 1”
2.0”
Volume = 12 in3
3.0”
2.0”

11. Calculate the Volume of the 6” x 9” Plate
Corner Radius =0.250”
= 3.14
8.688”
Plate Thickness 0.090”
Hole Dia ”
5.688”
Note: The solution to this problem is dependent on calculating the area accurately!

12. Volume of Solids Quick Reference Slide V = s3 s h w l V = lwh r h
V = r2h r
V = (4/3)r3
A cube is side times side times side. It is sides cubed. Depending on the measurements used, the units will be units cubed or units3.
A rectangular box or prism has a length, height and width. Multiply these three to find volume, again cubic units.
The cylinder has a radius and a height. Think of the area of the circle r2 and then to find the volume multiply the area by the height. You extruded the circle to give it a third dimension. Just like the squares and the rectangle.
The Sphere takes the radius cubed, multiplies it by pi and then by four thirds or ( (4/3) ).
Quick Reference Slide

13. Gravity Games Physical Science Balanced and unbalanced forces
Mass and Acceleration
Torque and Friction
Projectile Motion
Pendulum Motion
Circular Motion
Kinetic Energy

14. This GEARS-IDS apparatus will let you study Newton’s second law
Newton’s 2cd Law
This GEARS-IDS apparatus will let you study Newton’s second law
Mass
Newton’s Cart
f force= m mass a acceleration
Pulley
Experiment with masses and forces, and their affect on acceleration
Force