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Algorithms & AI

Applied Machine Learning with Catapults

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Students are introduced to the concept of machine learning and the iterative engineering design process through the design, construction, and testing of a catapult. They will then experiment with the catapult in order to develop a mathematical model that can be used to make predictions of how the system will perform.

Students will:
  • Define machine learning and provide real-world applications for where it is used
  • Describe the engineering design process and apply it to the design and construction of a catapult
  • Develop a mathematical model that describes the performance of the catapult
  • Create an algorithm based on the performance analysis of the catapult
Schedule This Lab
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    Lab time commitment

    90-120 minutes 
    (including 35-minute intro video)

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    Live Q&A session and wrap up with

    College Students & Professional Engineers

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Lab Intro Videos

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If you've completed the lab intro, you can find additional optional lab extensions beginning at timecode 36:00.

Teacher Guide

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Student Workbook

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Abbreviated Student Worksheet

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Engineer’s Presentation

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Meet the lab intro host

Joanna Caudle
Staff Engineer

Joanna spent the first half of her career as a mechanical engineer with Bechtel Corporation where she designed and oversaw the construction and startup of power projects in the US and in several countries around the globe. She holds a BS degree in Physics from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and a BME from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. Joanna is also a licensed professional engineer in Virginia. After a rewarding engineering career, Joanna transitioned to teaching in 2002 and has taught all levels of physics courses and a popular exploratory engineering elective class. Joanna also serves as chair of the Science Department and the STEM Program Coordinator for a private, all-girls K-12 school outside Washington DC.
Joanna Caudle

Staff Engineer

Joanna spent the first half of her career as a mechanical engineer with Bechtel Corporation where she designed and oversaw the construction and startup of power projects in the US and in several countries around the globe. She holds a BS degree in Physics from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and a BME from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. Joanna is also a licensed professional engineer in Virginia. After a rewarding engineering career, Joanna transitioned to teaching in 2002 and has taught all levels of physics courses and a popular exploratory engineering elective class. Joanna also serves as chair of the Science Department and the STEM Program Coordinator for a private, all-girls K-12 school outside Washington DC.
Lab Day Keynote

Every Engineering Tomorrow Lab Day event ends with an inspiring keynote from an engineering expert. Watch this one from the latest Algorithms & AI Lab Day.

Adam Cheyer

Inventor, Entrepreneur, Engineering Executive
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