Cars
Investigate propulsion and energy transfer of automobiles through the Engineering Design Process
Overview
Students learn the basics of propulsion and energy transfer through the lens of automobiles. Students use the engineering design process to design and test prototype vehicles driven by different forms of propulsion.
Standards
MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design
Cyber Connections
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Section Title
Lessons
Accordion Items
Title
Explore Cars
Content
Students learn about principles that influence automobile design as well as nutrition by designing an edible car.
Title
Discover Cars
Content
Students design and build a “Rainforests of the World” themed parade float powered by elastic energy. Students research factors that influence design such as wheel diameter, weight, exterior design, and elastic tension.
Title
Apply Cars
Content
Students design and build and eco-friendly car using elastic energy. Students investigate key factors that influence automobile design such as spring potential and kinetic energies, drive axels, and internal combustion engines.
Section Title
Materials
Cards
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