Cratering (Part 1)


Common area

  • 2-m sticks
  • 1-m sticks
  • Rulers
  • Calipers
  • Tape (a couple rolls)
  • Balances (two per room)
  • Box of spare balls
    • NOTE: I prefer to sort of hide this box in the corner and tell TAs not to make students aware of it. If students think they can get infinite balls, they will never search for their lost ball bearings in the sand.
    • Make sure box contains at least one of the larger (66.8 g) balls which is needed for the stairwell/hallway big crater drop
  • Dustpan and small broom (2 per room, if available)
  • Large floor broom (2 per room, if available)
  • Extra parts (compasses, stirrers, sifters, etc.)

Individual station

  • Tall rods on table clamps
    • one 90-degree clamp
    • one short rod
    • one 3D-printed “launcher”
  • Box of ball bearings
    • Check to make sure each setup has a complete setup of the 5 smallest balls plus one neodymium magnet
  • Mesh sifter
  • Mesh stirrer
  • Compass
  • Desk lamp
  • Large metal lunch tray
  • Small plastic lunch tray
  • Foam “guard box” (optional)

Stairwell/Hallway (Summer or PHSC version only)

  • Big yellow trashcan filled with sand
  • Long pole (for stirring)
  • Large calipers
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 meter stick
  • Long tape measure
  • Dustpan and small broom
  • Large floor broom

If only one setup is needed, place in the southwest stairwell.

If two setups are needed, position a second setup in the main hallway (approximately between the doors to KPTC 103 and 101) and create a tape square on the floor where the can needs to go. (You may need to practice dropping a few times to get the position right.) Then, wheel the can and equipment underneath the stairs so it is out of the way when not in use.