Derby Race Car Challenge
Today you will need to do some research about derby cars! What are they? Where do they come from? You must be an investigator and figure this out. Use any resources available to you (articles, videos, etc.). Take your time to prepare this. When this is complete you will go in the shop with Mrs. Hagedorn to create your race car.
Derby Race Cars convert potential energy to kinetic energy to travel a set distance. The fastest car will use gravity to travel and will lose the least amount energy through friction.
Your Task: Prepare a Google Slideshow following the Engineering Design Process
Slides:
Slide 1: Title and Name of any Partners
Slide 2: Identify the Problem
Show Mrs. Hagedorn when you reach this point so that you can work in the shop!
Slide 6: Create & Test your design
Derby Race Cars convert potential energy to kinetic energy to travel a set distance. The fastest car will use gravity to travel and will lose the least amount energy through friction.
Your Task: Prepare a Google Slideshow following the Engineering Design Process
Slides:
- Title slide - Race Car Challenge
- Step 1 - Identify the problem
- Step 2 - Research the problem
- Step 3 - Brainstorm solutions
- Step 4 - Choose a solution
- Step 5 & 6 - Create & test prototype
- Step 7 - Improve & redesign
- Conclusion Slide - Advertisement
Slide 1: Title and Name of any Partners
Slide 2: Identify the Problem
- Describe what you will do in your own words.
- Explain potential energy, kinetic energy, gravity, friction, and drag.
- Explain Newton's laws of motion.
- What is the history of pinewood derby cars?
- What designs will make your car go faster?
- Include at least 4 designs you find online and one that you draw (Using Google Draw or similar).
- Draw your design on paper (using a ruler!) or print out your Google Draw. Make sure to include dimensions on your drawing.
- Starting Block: 7 inches x 1 3/4 inches x 1 inch
- Starting Block: 7 inches x 1 3/4 inches x 1 inch
- Answer the following on your slide:
- Why are you choosing this solution?
- What tools will you need to create your derby car?
- If you have not completed safety tests you will need to do so prior to shop. You may want to complete the test on the sander and/or Band Saw.
Show Mrs. Hagedorn when you reach this point so that you can work in the shop!
Slide 6: Create & Test your design
- Describe how you made your race car.
- What problems did you have?
- How did it drive?
- How well does your final car match your design idea chosen in step 4?
- What improvements can you make?
- Create a single slide advertisement for your race car. Be sure to include:
- a summary of how you made your race car, including tools used
- a picture of your car
- a price
- a catchy message
- make it persuasive!