What We’ll Learn.
Students will use the physics information learned in the principles and concepts discussion to make an educated guess as to which of the 300+ cars they believe will be the fastest. After selecting a car, students will participate in a series of races to determine the fastest car.
After the races, students will analyze the race results, collected data, and their observations and produce a mini-poster recapping what they’ve learned.
Teamwork
Students will work in groups, taking turns at specified tasks related to completing the races and collecting data for a final presentation.
Physics Principles & Concepts
Students will learn about Aerodynamics, Drag, Elastic Energy, Elasticity, Energy, Force, Friction, Kinetic Energy, Lift, Potential Energy, Push, Transfer of Energy, and Isaac Newton’s three Laws of Motion. Students will participate in team-based quizzes to reinforce concepts.
Scientific Method & Application of Knowledge
Students will utilize the basic concepts of the Scientific Method: Ask a question; conduct research; make a hypothesis; experiment; analyze results; present a conclusion.
Math & Measurements
Students will use digital scales to determine their car’s weight in grams. Students will then have to use basic math to determine if a car weighs within 5 grams of another car that they plan to race. At the Speedometer Station, students will use the speed readout on the digital speedometers to determine how fast their car traveled. A bonus task will be dividing the 1:64 scale speed shown on the speedometer by 64 to determine the car’s actual speed.
Digital Photography
Students will learn basic digital photography techniques and take pictures of their cars for use in the final presentation. Additionally, students will take turns at the Photography Station where they will be responsible for taking pictures of the races and all of the activity on their track.
Engineering
Students will use the provided sections of track and connectors to construct tracks that are 15 feet long, using a measuring tape to ensure the correct length, and continuing to take measurements and make adjustments throughout the race day.
Videography
Students will learn basic digital photography techniques and take pictures of their cars for use in the final presentation. Additionally, students will take turns at the Photography Station where they will be responsible for taking pictures of the races and all of the activity on their track.
Graphic Design
Students will use iPads and basic graphic design principles to create a print layout page highlighting their car’s statistics, pictures, and their pre and post-race analysis.
Data Tracking
Students will enter their car’s name, weight, year built, wins and losses, and speed into a database that will be used to track and assess the car’s overall performance and race results.
Analysis
Following the races, students will use the collected data and observations to analyze why they believe their car did or did not perform as expected and what they would change about their selection process if they had another opportunity to select a different car.