Prof. Wheeler's Classroom Demonstrations

1. Optimizing an Alka-Seltzer Water Rocket

Optimization is one of the core principles of engineering. The principle is taught in this 45-minute classroom activity designed for secondary school students in tech ed, pre-engineering, physics, or other science class. With some adjustment to the techical content, the activity can easily be adapted for younger participants as well. The instructor arranges students into teams that will complete an engineering design for an Alka-Seltzer-powered rocket and then compete with other teams. The following Powerpoint presentation may be used to introduce the activity to the students and includes a list of required supplies for each team. Most slides have additional notes for the instructor.

Engineering_Rocket_Activity.ppt

AS_fly.avi

The associated avi file must be placed in the same folder as the ppt file. Also, to play the movie properly your computer must have DivX codec 5 or greater installed.

Notes for the instructor can be printed from the Powerpoint file. Alternatively, you may use this PDF file.

2. Schlieren visualization of natural convection

Classroom demonstration of natural convection using a principle known as Schlieren imaging.