Need for Speed (2012)

Date: January 20, 9 am-2 pm

Participants: 15

Key Concepts:

* Calculation of speed and acceleration

* Interpretation of data collected from motion experiments.

* Design of a rubber-band propelled car.

Activities:

* Scooter Cart race: students used Pasco (tm) motion detector probes and software to graph their speed and acceleration through an obstacle course. Students then interpreted graphs to determine where speed increased, decreased, remained constant, etc.

* Collision Challenge: students were given two constant motion cars (one that moved faster than the other). They were asked to determine when the cars would collide if they were 5 meters apart.

* Rubber Band Race Car: students were given a variety of materials in which to design a rubber band propelled race car that could travel the fastest.