Design and construct an art mobile around a general theme using physics to calculate the mobile's translational and rotational equilibrium.
ART BACKGROUND:
Alexander "Sandy" Calder (1898-1976) was an artistic pioneer who created the art form called the mobile. By the early 1970s, Calder's mobiles were famous worldwide. His sculptures ranged in size from the monumental
to jewelry-sized.
"I used to begin with fairly complete drawings, but now I start by cutting out a lot of shapes.... Some I keep because they're pleasing or dynamic. Some are bits I just happen to find. Then I arrange them, like papier collé, on a table, and "paint" them -- that is, arrange them, with wires between the pieces if it's to be a mobile, for the overall pattern. Finally I cut some more of them with my shears, calculating for balance this time."
- Alexander Calder on building a mobile, from Calder's Universe, 1976.
DIRECTIONS
1. Construct a hanging mobile having a minimum
of three freely-swinging horizontal arms using an
artistic general theme.
2. Select the hanging items of the mobile. Plan to
use wooden dowels or metal rods.
3. Sketch the general plan of your mobile. Keep
this sketch and all of your work in a journal that
documents your procedures and modifications.
This journal is to be turned in with the project.
4. Construct your actual mobile. You are likely to
achieve the best results by starting with the lowest
level and working upward.
5. Find the mass of each element in the mobile.
6. Measure distances and determine the position
of each support string.
7. On graph paper make a drawn-to-scale
“blueprint” of your mobile in the form of a diagram indicating the actual lengths, positions of all strings, pivots and elements with the forces clearly labeled.
8. Verify by calculation that translational and
rotational equilibrium exists.
9. Hand in, along with your mobile, your sketch
design or “blueprint,” your calculations, and journal
of your progress.
HINTS
1. Use objects of moderate mass. Do not use fragile or expensive objects. Handmade objects are acceptable.
2. Make the mobile simple, but large (“visually strong”).
3. Be creative. Use a theme you like!
4. Plan ahead! Calculate carefully and accurately.
PROJECT ASSESSMENT
I. Mobile 40%
- Neat construction and assembly.
- Well balanced.
- More than three levels or extra tiers.
II. Calculations, Blueprint and Journal 40%
Calculations:
- Comprehensive, neat, accurate and easy-to-follow.
- Show all your work including both conditions for
equilibrium and the solved equations.
Journal:
- Name of the mobile
- Team members.
- Complete procedural process documented.
Blueprint:
- Neat, properly labeled and to scale.
III. Artistic Appeal and Design 20%
- Makes a visual impact.
- Interesting, original and consistent theme.
ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
You can take a look at how this project will be evaluated:
