WV State Standards: Technology: 21C.O.9-12.1, 21C.O.9-12.2, 21C.O.9-12.3 Blooms Taxonomy: Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis 21st Century Skills: Communication, Critical Thinking & Systems, Problem Identification, Formulation and Solution, Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity, Interpersonal and Collaborative, Self Direction

Overview:

In this lesson, students will use their knowledge of Newton’s Laws as they design and construct an electric powered car.  Students will also acquire information literacy while using the internet to research car design.

Objective(s):

21C.O.9-12.1 The student will access, analyze, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in a variety of forms using appropriate technology skills and communicate that information in an appropriate oral, written, or multimedia format.

21C.O.9-12.2 The student will demonstrate the ability to explore and develop new ideas, to intentionally apply sound reasoning processes and to frame, analyze and solve complex problems using appropriate technology tools.

21C.O.9-12.3 The student will exhibit leadership, ethical behavior, respect for others; accept responsibility for personal actions considering the impact on others; take the initiative to plan and execute tasks; and interact productively as a member of a group.

Time Required:

Three 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students should be able to use the Internet to research topics. Students should be familiar with Newton's Laws of Motion, work, power, and energy.

21st Century Tools:

Computer with Internet access

Instructional Materials:

• Miscellaneous vehicle construction materials (wheels, axles, frame material, body material, fasteners, etc.)
• Tools for construction (hammers, drills, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Circuits that students have already constructed for their cars

Procedure:

1. Have students research (on the Internet and in text books) basic material uses, construction designs, and means of locomotion (i.e. gears, belts, direct drive).
2. Ask students to make detailed construction diagrams that depict the mechanical set-up of their car.
3. Discuss basic safety practices for use of all materials and tools, ie. drills, hammers, etc.
4. Revise plans to reflect safety concerns.
5. Ask students to begin constructing their designed mechanical set-up with materials they have “purchased”.  Careful consideration should be given to location of components on the car and material “costs” as this phase is completed.
6. After students have completed their cars, move to Lesson 4.

Some students may need a worksheet or guided questions to help attain the appropriate material from the Internet or textbooks.

Author's Notes:

There is a free resource available from nsta.org that is a virtual circuit lab. It is available at ftp://ftp.nsta.org/VLabsWin/. Double click on the file Vlabs_Electricity_Setup.exe and save to your computer.

There are also electricity and circuit information available on scilinks.org. Topic: Electric Circuits Code: SFEM27, Topic: Electric Current Code: SFEM18, Topic: Electronic Circuits Code: SFEM19, Topic: Current Electricity Code: SFEM20, Topic: Batteries Code: SFEM23, SFEM24

A variety of model types and bases can be used in building the cars. Pinewood Derby cars make a simple base that can be cut, decorated, and the electronics can be mounted on them. A model kit can also be used where all students would make the same car. Alternatively, Legos or K'Nex can be used to construct a variety of structures.

Links to several sites where these supplies and kits are available are shown below:

http://www.radioshack.com

http://www.physlink.com/eStore/cart/ElectronicKits.cfm

http://www.kitsusa.net/phpstore/html/Category-3-0.html

http://sciencekit.com/product.asp?pn=IG0027819&bhcd2=1183121713

http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Science-Make-Your-Electric/dp/B000N2B02W

http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3111405&sid=sortprice&bhcd2=1183121428

21st Century Assessment:

Students will make detailed construction diagrams which can be assessed for understanding components of locomotion.