Mobile ProjectCherie Lehman

WLHS

Mobile Project

Mobiles Inspired by Work of Alexander Caulder

Mobiles -- Blend of Physics and Art

Mobile Construction -- Torque Assessment

Alexander Calder

Received a degree in mechanical engineering but soon after decided to pursue a career as an artist.

Caulder Examples

1957 NY Port Authority

Constellation & Tower

Mobile Supported by Stabile

Authentic Assessment

Students apply the concepts learned in the unit • Torque• Balance• Center of Mass• Pivot

Project Details Project counts as an exam Design plan must accompany mobile

• Diagram of mobile showing locations of weights for each tier

• Torque calculations for each tier• Mobile itself

Mobile Requirements Your mobile should have a theme

• For example, a mobile with an astronomical theme would contain stars, planets, comets, etc.

Each mobile must contain 5 tiers At least 1 tier must contain 3 masses At least 2 tiers must be pivoted from a

point other than the cg of the support rod

You must include a layout of the mobile design

Design Layout for Each Tier

the mass of the support rod the masses of the hanging ornaments the lengths of the respective lever arms the location of the pivot Mathematical proof that the torques are

balanced

Design Plan

If the mass of your support rod is significant compared to the masses of your hanging ornaments, be sure to include the torque exerted by the weight of the support rod in your calculations.

Mobile Grading Scheme

25 pts. for your design plan 25 pts. for the 5 tiers -- 5 pts. for each tier 5 pts. for one tier containing 3 masses 10 pts. for two tiers pivoted at point other

than cg of support rod 10 pts. for proper balance -- i.e.

horizontal orientation of supports

Grading Scheme Continued

10 pts. for theme 15 pts. for artistic design and aesthetic

value BONUS: 5 pts. bonus for science theme BONUS: 5 pts. bonus for extra tier

100 pts. total

Toys in the Attic

Stars Mobile

Life Cycle of a Star

Molecules

Evolution of Music

Sports

Scientists

Toys

Calculating Torques

Final Adjustments

The Food Chain

Geology Mobile