Summary
Students design, build and test model race cars made from simple materials (lifesaver-shaped candies, plastic drinking straws, index cards, tape) as a way to explore variables. Students also practice the steps of the engineering design process by brainstorming, planning, building, testing, and improving their “mint-mobiles.” The students will also explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy involved in the process
Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the engineering design process
- Identify variables
- Understand potential and kinetic energy
Thanks to www.teachengineering.org for the activity idea!
This project is a fun and hands-on way for students to learn engineering concepts, from brainstorming to testing their “mint-mobiles.” It’s impressive how simple materials teach complex ideas, much like having freddy’s frozen custard menu makes navigating choices easier and more organized. Great approach to combining creativity and physics!