Created byKayla Fuller
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Build and Analyze Cars: Forces, Motion, and Energy
Grade 8Science18 days
This project-based learning experience engages eighth-grade science students in designing and building a model car to optimize performance and safety using principles of physics including forces, motion, energy transformations, and Newton’s Laws. The project includes activities such as an escape room to introduce physics concepts, blueprint design using digital tools, constructing and testing car models, and analyzing speed and acceleration through experiments, calculations, and graphing. The project aligns with Texas State Standards, focusing on developing students' understanding of energy conservation and motion dynamics, while helping them apply scientific methods in practical scenarios.Newton's LawsEnergy TransformationForce CalculationCar DesignPhysics ExperimentsMotion AnalysisScientific Method
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a car that optimizes performance and safety while applying principles of force, motion, energy transformations, and Newton's Laws?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What design considerations must be taken into account when building a car for optimal performance and safety?
- How can we calculate the net force acting on our car, and determine if it is balanced or unbalanced?
- In what ways do different energy types (gravitational, elastic, chemical potential, and kinetic) play a role in our car's operation and efficiency?
- How does energy conservation manifest in the operation of the car, particularly in terms of energy transfer and transformation?
- What methods can we use to calculate the average speed of our car, and how does this help in improving its design and performance?
- How can distance-time graphs be used to measure, record, and interpret the motion of our car?
- What is the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in the context of our car's motion, as described by Newton's Second Law of Motion?
- How do Newton's three laws of motion interact within the car's systems and influence its movement and performance?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will construct a functional car model that applies principles of force, motion, and energy transformation.
- Students will calculate the net force on their car model and determine if the forces are balanced or unbalanced.
- Students will compare and contrast different types of energies (gravitational, elastic, chemical potential, kinetic) in terms of their role in the car's operation.
- Students will describe how energy is conserved through transfers and transformations within the car model.
- Students will calculate the average speed of their car using distance and time measurements.
- Students will use distance-time graphs to measure, record, and interpret the motion of their car model.
- Students will apply Newton's Second Law to calculate and analyze acceleration based on net force and mass of the car.
- Students will investigate and describe how Newton's three laws of motion act simultaneously within the car's systems.
Texas State Standards
6.7B
Primary
Calculate the net force on an object in a horizontal or vertical direction using diagrams and determine if the forces are balanced or unbalanced.Reason: Students will calculate net forces acting on their constructed car models and determine balanced or unbalanced states.
6.8A
Primary
Compare and contrast gravitational, elastic, and chemical potential energies with kinetic energy.Reason: Students will explore different energy types involved in their car's operation, directly aligning with this standard.
6.8B
Primary
Describe how energy is conserved through transfers and transformations in systems.Reason: The project emphasizes understanding energy conservation through practical car model experiments.
7.7A
Primary
Calculate average speed using distance and time measurements from investigations.Reason: Students will calculate their car model's average speed, applying this standard concretely in their investigations.
7.7C
Primary
Measure, record, and interpret an object's motion using distance-time graphs.Reason: This standard is directly applied as students use distance-time graphs to analyze car motion.
8.7A
Primary
Calculate and analyze how the acceleration of an object is dependent upon the net force acting on the object and the mass of the object using Newton's Second Law of Motion.Reason: The project involves calculating acceleration of the car using Newton’s Second Law, aligning perfectly with this standard.
8.7B
Primary
Investigate and describe how Newton's three laws of motion act simultaneously within systems.Reason: Students investigate how Newton's Laws apply to car systems, which is a central project theme and aligns closely with this standard.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEscape Room: The Physics of Cars
Begin with a thrilling escape room experience where solving physics puzzles related to forces and motion unlocks clues to 'escape.' This interactive entry event captures student interest and curiosity about Newton's laws, energy conservation, and force by presenting hands-on problems that directly relate to their project goals.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Escape Room Physics Pilot
Students engage in a thrilling escape room experience to solve physics puzzles related to forces and motion, introducing them to basic concepts of Newton’s laws, energy conservation, and car dynamics. This kick-off activity sets the stage for building their car models by uncovering these essential physics principles.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Participate in an escape room where students solve puzzles involving physical force and motion scenarios.
2. Complete clues that involve identifying different types of forces and energy transfers.
3. Reflect on how these concepts relate to car design and operation.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn exit ticket answering how Newton’s Laws and energy transformations relate to the car's design and functionality.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsInitial engagement activity aligns with standards by introducing students to the concepts they will explore more deeply.Activity 2
Design & Blueprint Bonanza
Students use technology to sketch blueprints of their car models, considering design aspects that optimize performance and safety while applying principles of Newton’s Laws.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research effective car design principles focusing on force, motion, and energy efficiency.
2. Use a digital tool to create a detailed blueprint of the planned car model.
3. Identify areas in the design where different types of forces and energies come into play.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive digital blueprint of the car model incorporating force and energy dynamics.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standards 6.8A and 6.8B by involving students in analyzing energy types and conservation during the design process.Activity 3
Construct and Test Drive
Construct the car model using materials provided. Students will then test-drive their models, evaluating the net forces acting on their car and whether these forces are balanced or unbalanced.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Gather materials needed for car construction and follow the blueprint to build the model.
2. Test drive the car model, recording how it moves and behaves under different conditions.
3. Diagram the forces acting on the car during these tests.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully-constructed car model complete with a test drive log highlighting observations about force balance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addresses standard 6.7B by having students calculate and analyze the forces acting on their car models.Activity 4
Speed Calculation Sprint
Measure, analyze, and calculate the average speed of the car model, integrating principles of kinetic energy and motion analysis in their calculations.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Set up a track and measure distances that the car will travel.
2. Time how long it takes for the car to travel the preset distance.
3. Use the distance-time measurements to calculate average speed.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA graph showing the average speed calculations and a report detailing speed and energy considerations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 7.7A by using distance and time measurements to calculate speed, enhancing understanding of kinetic energy.Activity 5
Graphical Motion Mastery
Interpret the motion of the car model using distance-time graphs, providing a visual analysis of how it moves over time and identifying key forces at work.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Record multiple time intervals during your car’s motion across the track.
2. Plot this data on a distance-time graph using graphing software.
3. Analyze the graph to interpret how the car's motion changes over time.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA distance-time graph with an analysis report interpreting the car's motion and force dynamics.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplied learning of standard 7.7C focused on recording and interpreting motion using graphs.Activity 6
Acceleration Analyzer
Explore how acceleration is affected by the net forces acting on the car model and calculate using Newton's Second Law, deepening understanding of dynamics.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Review Newton’s Second Law and discuss its application in analyzing the car's acceleration.
2. Perform hands-on tests to apply different forces to the car and measure effects.
3. Calculate acceleration using measurements of mass and force, applying Newton’s Second Law.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed calculation report of the car's acceleration under various force conditions, using Newton's Second Law.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 8.7A by focusing on calculations of acceleration and analysis of net forces and mass.Activity 7
Newton's Law Nexus Exploration
Dive into how all of Newton's Laws of Motion are in action simultaneously within the car's system, exploring real-world applications and vehicle system interactions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Identify scenarios during the car's operation where each of Newton’s three laws apply.
2. Discuss and document the interactions between these laws in controlled experiments.
3. Create a presentation detailing how these laws impact the car's function and performance.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation demonstrating the interaction of Newton’s Laws in car operations, using examples and experiment findings.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 8.7B by having students investigate and describe the interplay of Newton’s Laws in car systems.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCar Design and Physics Application Rubric
Category 1
Understanding of Physics Concepts
Assesses students' comprehension of core physics principles including forces, motion, and energy transformations as they relate to the car project.Criterion 1
Net Force Calculation
Measures the ability to correctly calculate and analyze net forces acting on the car, determining balanced or unbalanced states.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately calculates net forces under various conditions of car performance and clearly explains the implications of balanced vs unbalanced forces using precise scientific vocabulary.
Proficient
3 PointsCorrectly calculates net forces and provides a clear explanation of whether they are balanced or unbalanced, using appropriate vocabulary.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to calculate net forces with partial accuracy. Explains the concept of balanced vs unbalanced forces with some misunderstanding or missing details.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to correctly calculate net forces and offers insufficient explanation or misunderstanding about force balance.
Criterion 2
Energy Transformation and Conservation
Evaluates students' understanding of how energy is transformed and conserved in systems, specifically with the car model.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly explains and analyzes the types of energy transformations in the car model, accurately relating them to principles of energy conservation.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly identifies and explains major energy transformations and conservation principles as they apply to the car model.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some energy transformations but with limited explanation or incomplete conservation understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or explain energy transformations and conservation within the car model.
Category 2
Practical Application of Newton's Laws
Focuses on the application of Newton's Laws of Motion in the car's system operations, assessing the ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experiments.Criterion 1
Newton's Laws Interaction
Assesses students' ability to describe and analyze the interactions of Newton's three laws within the car's performance.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides detailed analysis and practical examples of how all three of Newton's laws interact within the car's functions, demonstrating comprehensive understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a clear and accurate description of the interaction of Newton's laws in the car system, supported by practical examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies parts of Newton's laws interaction with limited or partially correct examples and explanations.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to accurately describe how Newton’s laws interact in the car system, providing few or incorrect examples.
Category 3
Scientific Process and Data Analysis
Evaluates the use of scientific methods and data analysis in experiments conducted on the car model, including speed calculations and motion analysis using graphs.Criterion 1
Data Collection and Analysis
Measures the ability to collect, record, and analyze data accurately, specifically focusing on speed calculations and interpreting distance-time graphs.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately collects and analyzes data, using sophisticated techniques to interpret results and create complex, insightful interpretations of graphical data.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively collects and analyzes data, correctly interpreting results and presenting clear graphical representations.
Developing
2 PointsCollects data with some errors or omissions in analysis, showing limited or superficial interpretation of graphs.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with accurate data collection, presenting limited analysis and misunderstandings in data interpretation.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on the journey of building and testing your car model. What were the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Text
Required
Question 2
How has your understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion evolved through this project?
Text
Required
Question 3
On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel in applying concepts of force, motion, and energy after this unit?
Scale
Required
Question 4
Choose the aspect of the project that you found most engaging: Designing, Building, Testing, Analyzing Data, or Presentation.
Multiple choice
Optional
Options
Designing
Building
Testing
Analyzing Data
Presentation
Question 5
In what ways do you see the experience and knowledge gained from this project influencing your future learning or career interests?
Text
Optional