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Algorithms & AI

Applied Machine Learning with Catapults

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
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    Lab intro video

    36 minutes

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    Lab type

    Lab kit provided at no cost

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    Live Q&A session and wrap up with

    College Students & Professional Engineers

Classroom Tools & Resources

Get access to all of the presentation materials, workbooks and resources to run the Algorithms and AI lab in your classroom.

Meet the lab intro host

Joanna Caudle
Curriculum Consultant

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

Curriculum Consultant

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.
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