Modeling biomaterials using the Play Doh Factory and Interactive Physics by High School 9th Grade Physical Science Students
Author: David W. Rogers (MS and Beth Hall, MS)
Abstract
Students in the Pre International Baccalaureate Physical Science Class spent two classes a month learning modeling using CBL2 TI 83/4 calculators, MS excel, geometer sketch pad and Interactive Physics.
Students learned that plastics and especially bioplastics extruded through equipment like the Play-Doh Factory ® was used to make snack foods, pasta and crackers. This model allowed students to study and understand forces being applied. (NYS performance indicator 5.1 k, Newton's second law an unbalanced force causes a mass to accelerate.) Using the scientific method students hypothesized that it would take more force to push Play Doh through smaller openings with less surface area than larger openings. Using a twenty Newton spring scale, students learned to measure force tangentially to the lever / plunger of the Play-Doh Factory ®. Plots showed the relationship of force to surface area. Data was tabulated in MS excel. Results from the physical experiment show that the student's hypothesis was correct and it took larger force to push Play-Doh ® through smaller openings. Students learned about modeling and how food they eat everyday is produced by forcing bioplastics through extrusion machines.