The Wind Powered Vehicle

RICHARDTON HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT RICHARDTON, NORTH DAKOTA

THE WIND POWERED CAR

OBJECTIVE:

To learn that the scientific method is not a linear process.

To learn the difference between potential and kinetic energy. To learn to use different forces of prime movers.

To learn the principles of forces like compression, torsion, strain, and shear.

Learn the principles of friction, in particular rolling friction.

To work independently or cooperatively. To learn to brainstorm (lens smashing) and develop problem solving skills. Make decisions using trial and error. Work within a given amount of time. Work with only materials given. Deal with competition with your peers.

PROBLEM:

Using a standard sheet of 8.5 x 11 standard sized sheet of paper.

10 cm of clear tape (approx. 4 inches).

Pitsco HD glue.

Hot glue melt (as needed).

Yellow drinking straws.

Red drinking straws.

Paper Towel or tissue paper tubes.

Paper drinking cups.

Set of four (4) plastic wheels with axels (Schwan pushup parts)

Construct a wind powered car that will travel the greatest distance.

LIMITATIONS:

Time limits for construction is 30 minutes or instructor’s discretion.

No power tools will be used.

Exacto knife, scissors, paper cutter maybe used.

The Wind powered car must be free standing and must roll on its own.

EVALUATION:

The testing of cars should be done in a wide open space such as the gymnasium.

Students will test their own wind powered cars.

The instructor will be the official length recorder.

Cars will start at a designated starting line.

The wind source, the fan will be turned on after the vehicle is placed on the starting line.

Cars will not be pushed of the starting line.

The distance the vehicle traveled will be measured in a straight line from the starting point.

Several attempts can be measured and a average may be taken. This will be up to instructor’s discretion.

20 points = Wind powedered car that traveled the longest distance.

19 points = 90% of the longest distance.

18 points = 85% of the longest distance.

17 points = 80% of the longest distance.

16 points = 70% of the longest distance.

Name _____________________________________________________

Distance the wind powered car traveled. __________________.