Purpose: The purpose of this project is to promote student interest in technology and problem solving by exploring the properties of motion. By participating in scientific research, the students will learn about velocity, acceleration, momentum, inertia, friction, gravity and achieve a deeper understanding of Newton’s three laws of motion.
Rules:
Students will build a vehicle that is powered by the air of balloons
They will be paired in groups of two
The car must be powered by no more than two 12” balloons, provided by the teacher.
You can build the car out of anything.
It must have at least three wheels. Wheels are defined as anything that is round and goes around.
The wheels can not be wheels from a toy car. They must be made out of something that was not originally meant to be used as wheels.
The car may not leave the ground.
All parts must be contained on the car (you can’t walk alongside it and blow)
The car must be capable of traveling at least 5 meters.
All work will be completed in class. No construction can be done at home.
Procedure: 1. You will make a sketch of your idea for a successful vehicle, based on your knowledge of forces and motion. 2. You will bring in materials from home and assemble your car in class. 3. On race day we will set up a track in the classroom 4. You will race in pairs against other classmates, advancing through a tournament bracket. 5. Cars that follow all of the rules will be eligible for awards. 6. Winning cars will be displayed on my web page! 7. These awards will be given in three categories.