They alter the straw speed as they try to drive it into the potato's body. The activity includes the mathematical formula that shows the relationship between kinetic energy, mass, and velocity. A drawing illustrates the way to hold the potato and straw to avoid injury, and safety precautions suggest that gloves could provide additional protection. The follow up activity asks the students to design a protective covering that would prevent the straw from penetrating the potato at any speed. As an extension, students compare protective technologies such as bullet proof vests, armor, and windshields.
Matrices correlate the activities to national science, mathematics, and technology standards.
Life support systems.