Soaring Straws

In the lab, Soaring Straws, we focused mainly on two kinds of energy: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. The gravitational potential energy was when the straws went to its maximum height and stayed there for the short time span that it was up there. The elastic potential energy in the lab is the amount of stretch that the rubber band gets pulled back before launching the straws. The gravitational potential energy and the elastic potential energy are related in two ways. The first way is that the gravitational potential energy and the elastic potential energy are both variables in the lab. The responding variable is the component of the experiment that is affected and changes according to the manipulated variable. The manipulated variable is the component that can be adjusted by us. Whoever is conducting the lab or experiment controls the manipulated variable. In this case, we controlled the amount of stretch, making the elastic potential energy the manipulated variable. Also, the height that the straws went responded differently according to the manipulated variable. That made the gravitational potential energy the responding variable. The second way that the gravitational potential energy is related to the elastic potential energy is that they are both forms of potential energy. This means the energy is still, but has the capability to move. My partner and I conducted the experiment nine trials in all, but three trials at each amount of stretch. Our first amount of stretch was eight centimeters, and the average height that the rocket went at eight centimeters of stretching back was two and a half meters. The second amount of stretch was seven centimeters, and the third amount of stretch was six centimeters. Both of these stretches got the height of the straws to go up three meters each time. The amount of stretch here was the manipulated variable and the height was the responding variable. As you can see, we controlled the amount of stretch and the height that the straws went up responded to the amount of stretch.

In this lab, there were possible errors for the data I had. One of these errors is the fact that my partner and I are different heights. The data could have been more accurate if we were the same height because the straws would then consistently be launched from the same spot. Another possible error is that the way we measured the rockets wasn't very reliable. We used meter sticks and could have measured incorrectly. When the straws hit the ceiling, we assumed that the straws went up three meters. Maybe they would have gone higher up, but we wouldn't know because the ceiling was limiting the height for the straws to go up to a maximum of three meters. The final possible error in my data collection would be the fact that I shot the straws a different way one of the three times. If my partner and I had used the same technique throughout, the data would be more precise and accurate. Overall, this lab was fun and a great way to learn about elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy. However, something that could be enhanced or changed is the directions. The directions should specify that the straws should be launched the same way every time. Neither my partner nor I knew that we should use the same launching technique, and that could make a major difference in our data. Also, this lab would have more room for more varied results if the lab was done outside because then the straws would have no parameters as to a maximum height. That would vary the results more. Other than those two suggestions, this lab was a phenomenal learning experience.