Suited for Spacewalking pdf - Virtual Astronaut

InvestigationPea Shooter MeteoroidsThe effects of high-speed micrometeoroid impactscan also be simulated with a "pea shooter." Theshooter is actually a plastic milkshake straw. Theprojectile can be dried peas, popcorn, dried lentils,etc. The object of the activity is to penetrate tissuepaper with the pro j e c t i l e . As with the Po t a t oAstronaut activity, the velocity of the impactordetermines the penetration.Materials and Tools ChecklistPlastic milkshake strawDried peas, popcorn, etc.Tissue paper (for wrapping presents)Cardboard boxTapeEye ProtectionConnections: MathematicsRefer to the "Potato Astronaut–Part One" activitythat follows.Extensions• Tape two straws end to end. Does that increasethe velocity of the projectile?• Experiment with projectiles that have a greatermass than the pea.• Add a second layer of tissue paper to the box to seewhat effect the second layer has on penetra t i on .• Is there any relationship between the ability topenetrate the tissue paper and the distance theshooter stands from the box?Objective• To compare the effect on tissue paper penetrationbetween low and high speed projectiles.ProcedureStep 1. Cover the opening of a box with tissue paper.Stretch the paper tight.Step 2. Drop a pea or other projectile from a distanceof approximately 1 meter on to the tissuepaper. Does the pea penetrate?Step 3. While wearing eye protection, stand back afew meters from the box and blow the peathrough the pea shooter at the tissue paper.Does the pea penetrate? (With a little prac -tice, the pea should penetrate the paper.)Step 4. Investigate what happens when more thanone layer of tissue paper is used to cover thebox opening.Safety PrecautionsStudents must wear eye protection. Caution studentsnot to inhale through the straw.6 8 • Suited for Spacewalking An Activity Guide for Technology Education, Mathematics, and Science, EG- 1 9 9 8 - 0 3 - 1 1 2 - H Q