MEREDITH — What does elastic potential energy, projectile motion and the engineering design process all have in common? At Inter-Lakes Middle/High School, in the physics class it all came together to build what the students have termed The Laker Launcher. Inspired by an ancient ballista, the students wanted to build a structure that would spur on school spirit and draw in fans by launching T-shirts into the crowd.
Joe Derrick, ILMHS STEAM teacher and robotics coordinator, worked with students as they designed and constructed the many pieces of the launcher from the base and launch angle mechanism to the tube compartment and loading mechanism.
In addition to the technical pieces of the project the students demonstrated and tested the launcher and worked on outreach. Students contacted various school groups to seek inclusion of the launcher in athletic games and school activities, as well as seeking T-shirt donations from around the school.
“I enjoyed using our physics knowledge to create a fun project that I can see at all the sporting events. Hopefully it brings more people to these games and boosts school spirit,” said senior Alec Adorno.
The Laker Launcher will need a reserve of T-shirts to keep up with demand. Physics students are accepting donations of new T-shirts to propel into the homecoming, winter carnival and athletic crowds. Call ILMHS at 603-279-6162 if interested in donating.
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