Syllabus

This is a contents page for various classes that All Hands Active has offered at some point in time. We make no claim to ownership of this information. Like many things, much of this is based off other peoples' work. Permission has been acquired, and attribution is applied where appropriate.

Piezo Igniter Film Canister Launcher

General Information
 Piezo Igniter Film Canister Launchers are an awesome way to start a discussion on:
  Sound
  Pressure
  Electricity
  Heat
  Velocity / Acceleration / Force / Work
  Propulsion
 It's an excellent way to get kids excited about data logging (recording amounts of fuel needed, distances launched, etc. in a spreadsheet)
 Class Time: One Hour
 Cost: ~$1 p/student
 I:S Ratio: 1/4

Raw Materials:
 Film Canister with Cap
 Piezoelectric Igniter
 6" Wire with Alligator Clips on both ends
 3" Wire - Solid Core ~22awg, 1/2" stripped on either end
 Single Squirt Breath Freshener (with Alcohol)
 Hot Glue
 Electrical Tape

Tools:
 Hot Glue Gun
 1/16" Drill Bit
 7/32" Drill Bit

Assembly Instructions:
 Put a 1/16" hole in the side, about 1/4" from the bottom.*
 Put a 7/32" hole in the bottom, in the center!*
 Put the piezo igniter in the bottom hole
 Put a 3" wire into the hole on the side
 Attach the 3" wire to the igniter wire
 Test fire the piezo once or twice, if it fires consistently, move on to step 7
 Apply a small amount of hot glue around the piezo where it meets the base of the canister
 Apply a small amount of hot glue around the 3" wire where it meets the side of the canister
 Use 1" of electrical tape to cover the exposed leads on the Alligator Clips & Wires

Firing Instructions
 Wear Safety Goggles!
 Dry fire the Piezoelectric Igniter BEFORE adding fuel. You will need to make sure you can see the arc of electricity
 If no arc, double check wire connections, and make sure internal wire is within 1/4" of the piezo cap
 Once arcing is confirmed:
  Put 3 or 4 squirts of the Fuel (Breath Freshener) into the film canister
  Place cap on film canister
  Aim away from people
  Fire! Use caution, sometimes the film canister does not self extinguish. Flames from alcohol are very hard to see! 

Warnings/Recommendations
 * The size drill bit you use may differ depending on the wire and piezo igniter you use.
 It may be helpful to have staff control the use of the Breath Freshener / Fuel
 Specify a firing range where people can launch the film canisters safely
 Piezoigniters can shock people, equipment, etc. Please use safely!
 These are LOUD, and can launch quite a distance very quickly. Use safety goggles, and you may find ear plugs necessary.

Sources
 Wire can be acquired from your local hardware store, radioshack, sparkfun, hackerspace, etc.
 Piezo igniters can usually be found any place that sells lighters. Grill lighters are more common, but more expensive. Bic offers a mini electric lighter that usually comes out to $1. 
 Film Canisters can occasionally be found at local camera stores, the awesome Huron Camera in Dexter, MI recycles them. Ask and you shall receive!