Air Power CarDesign Challenge

Sir Isaac Newton

• (1642-1727), English natural philosopher, generally regarded as the most original and influential theorist in the history of science.

Sir Isaac Newton

• While Newton was in college he was writing his ideas in a journal. Newton had new ideas about motion, which he called his three laws of motion. He also had ideas about gravity, the diffraction of light, and forces. Newton's ideas were so good that Queen Anne knighted him in 1705. His accomplishments laid the foundations for modern science and revolutionized the world. Sir Isaac Newton died in 1727.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion• For every action, there is an equal and

opposite reaction.

Identify Problem

• Our task is to build a fast car that will be powered by air. You will use your breath to power the car.

You will be limited to the following materials:

• Five Straws - Scissors• Four round mints • One piece of paper• Two paperclips• Tape

Brainstorm

• Explore at your materials• Talk with your partner for 2 minutes about

how your might design your car.

Design

• Both team members draw a diagram in your notebook that describes your team’s first design. Make sure you label all parts. Discuss with your partner as you draw.

Build

• Using your diagram, build your car with your partner. It is O.K. to change a few things from your original drawing. If you change your design, modify your drawing.

Test and Evaluate

• With your team, create a track 200 centimeters in length to test your car. Use your breath to push your car. Decide which car went the fastest.

Share Solution

• Share with the whole group which car went the fastest. Discuss why you think it went fast.

• Listen as others share to get ideas on how to redesign your car.

Redesign

Talk with your partner about how you want to redesign your car. Record your new design idea in your notebook.

Continue the processuntil you are satisfied with your design!

Teachers

• How can we bring out the math in this design challenge?

• What questions should we ask students during this process to maximize learning?

• How does this challenge support Math Journeys goals?

• Could we have a competition with all classes choosing a final design?