Gravity Car (Gloria Hernandez Scipio)

Author

Gloria Hernandez Scipio

NGSS Engineering Standards

MS-PS3-1.

Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on descriptive relationships between kinetic energy and mass separately from kinetic energy and speed. Examples could include riding a bicycle at different speeds, rolling different sizes of rocks downhill, and getting hit by a wiffle ball versus a tennis ball.]

MS-PS2-2.

Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on balanced (Newton’s First Law) and unbalanced forces in a system, qualitative comparisons of forces, mass and changes in motion (Newton’s Second Law), frame of reference, and specification of units.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to forces and changes in motion in one-dimension in an inertial reference frame and to change in one variable at a time. Assessment does not include the use of trigonometry.]

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to include constructing exp

lanations and designing solutions supported by multiple sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.

- - - Apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and test a design of an object, tool, process or system. (MS-PS3-3)

Preparation from the teacher

The gravity car is a great engineering activity for students, and teachers can come up with their own constraints. When I assigned the project, students were given these instructions: "Design a car that is no more than 12 cm wide and 18 cm long. You cannot use any parts that are specifically a car. No store bought kits. No actual wheels." The school has a pre-made ramp for the gravity cars. Students need to have the dimensions of the starting area so that their cars can fit. Materials, design, etc are left for the students. There are many variations to this that you can add. The main idea for this particular project was that students were not able to buy a kit.

Materials needed

The project is intended for students to think outside the box. Materials can be any materials, as long as it is not a kit.

Procedure

First begin with building your axels and wheels. Then students design and create their own car with in the length and width constraints.

Questions

What is the best design that will go fastest down the ramp?
Design a car that is no more than 12 cm wide and 18 cm long. You cannot use any parts that are specifically a car. No store bought kits. No actual wheels.
What forces are acting on the car to make it go?

Photos

Alternatives for the Ramp Design

Movies

References

Worksheet for a Gravity Car Speed and Forces Lesson

Gravity Car Competition

Gravity Car Design Challenge

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