Crash Test Vehicle: Newton's Laws in Motion
Created byDerek May
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Crash Test Vehicle: Newton's Laws in Motion

Grade 8Science10 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)
In this project, 8th-grade students design, build, and test a crash-test vehicle to demonstrate and minimize the effects of forces and energy transfer during a collision, adhering to Newton's Laws of Motion. Students research Newton's Laws, design a vehicle prototype with safety features, conduct crash tests, analyze data to calculate kinetic energy and impulse, and redesign their vehicle based on the results. The project culminates in a final crash test and a comparative analysis of the original and redesigned vehicles' performance, emphasizing data-driven design improvements and a deeper understanding of physics in real-world applications.
Newton's Laws of MotionCrash Test VehicleKinetic EnergyImpulseData AnalysisVehicle DesignCollision Dynamics
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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 crash-test vehicle that effectively demonstrates and minimizes the effects of forces and energy transfer during a collision, while adhering to Newton's Laws of Motion?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do Newton's Laws of Motion apply to car crashes?
  • How do forces affect the motion of an object?
  • How can we design a vehicle to minimize the impact of a collision?
  • What is the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in a moving vehicle?
  • How does the mass of a vehicle affect its motion and the forces acting upon it during a collision?
  • How can we use data from crash tests to improve vehicle safety?
  • What are the different types of forces involved in a car crash (e.g., friction, impact force)?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to apply Newton's Laws of Motion to design a crash-test vehicle.
  • Students will be able to explain how forces affect the motion of an object during a collision.
  • Students will be able to collect and analyze data to improve their vehicle design based on crash test results.
  • Students will be able to describe the relationship between kinetic energy, potential energy, mass, and speed in the context of a moving vehicle.

NGSS

MS-PS-2.1
Primary
Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.Reason: Directly relates to the design and analysis of the crash-test vehicle.
MS-PS-2.2
Primary
Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.Reason: Students will investigate how forces and mass affect the motion of their crash-test vehicle.
MS-PS-2.4
Supporting
Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.Reason: While not the primary focus, gravitational forces could be considered in the context of the vehicle's motion and collision.
MS-PS-2.5
Secondary
Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.Reason: This could relate to understanding forces at a distance, though less directly applicable to the crash test.
MS-PS-3.1
Primary
Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.Reason: Crucial for analyzing the vehicle's motion and energy transfer during the crash test.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Mysterious Egg Drop Challenge

An egg is placed inside different student-created vehicles and dropped from increasing heights. Students analyze why some eggs survive while others don't, connecting it to concepts like impulse, momentum, and energy transfer and setting the stage for designing safer crash test vehicles.

Simulated Car Crash Forensics

Students examine footage and data from a staged (safe) simulated car crash involving a dummy. They work backward from the damage to infer the forces, velocities, and accelerations involved, sparking their curiosity about the physics at play and motivating them to build a vehicle that minimizes damage.

MythBusters: Crash Test Edition

Students watch a clip from MythBusters or a similar show where they test vehicle safety myths. They then discuss the scientific accuracy of the tests and identify factors that influence crash outcomes, challenging their preconceived notions and inspiring them to design experiments with their own vehicles.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Newton's Laws Navigator

Students will research and explain Newton's Three Laws of Motion, focusing on how they relate to collisions and vehicle safety. This activity sets the groundwork for understanding the physics behind the crash test vehicle design.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research Newton's Three Laws of Motion using provided resources (textbooks, websites, videos).
2. For each law, write a clear and concise explanation in your own words.
3. Provide a specific example of how each law applies to a car crash scenario.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written report detailing each of Newton's Laws with examples related to vehicle collisions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses MS-PS-2.1 by providing the foundational knowledge of Newton's Laws needed to design a solution involving colliding objects. Also sets the stage for MS-PS-2.2 and MS-PS-3.1 by introducing the concepts of force, mass, and motion.
Activity 2

Blueprint Bonanza

Students will design a prototype of their crash-test vehicle, incorporating safety features based on their understanding of Newton's Laws. They will create a detailed blueprint, labeling key components and explaining their function in mitigating collision forces.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm different design ideas for the crash-test vehicle, focusing on safety features.
2. Create a detailed blueprint of your chosen design, including dimensions and materials.
3. Label all key components of the vehicle and explain how each component contributes to safety and force reduction during a collision.
4. Justify your design choices based on Newton's Laws of Motion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of the crash-test vehicle design, with labeled components and justifications for design choices based on Newton's Laws.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addresses MS-PS-2.1 by applying Newton's Third Law in the design of a solution to a problem involving colliding objects. It also connects to MS-PS-2.2 as students consider how forces and mass will affect the vehicle's motion.
Activity 3

Construction Zone

Students will build their crash-test vehicle based on the blueprints created in the previous activity. This involves selecting appropriate materials, accurately constructing the vehicle, and ensuring that all safety features are properly implemented.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather the materials needed to build your crash-test vehicle, as specified in your blueprint.
2. Carefully construct the vehicle according to your blueprint, paying attention to detail and accuracy.
3. Ensure that all safety features are properly implemented and functional.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA physical model of the crash-test vehicle, built according to the design blueprint.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsBuilds upon MS-PS-2.1 and MS-PS-2.2 as students physically implement their design and consider the forces and mass involved in the vehicle's motion. This activity provides a tangible application of their understanding of Newton's Laws.
Activity 4

Crash Test Commando

Students will conduct a series of crash tests with their vehicle, collecting data on its performance. This includes estimating impact forces, calculating velocities, and assessing damage to the vehicle and the 'passenger'. Students will use video recording to gather data during the crash tests.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Set up a testing area with a designated impact zone. Mark distances to measure the vehicle's travel.
2. Conduct a series of crash tests with your vehicle, varying the impact speed and angle. Use a consistent launch method for each test.
3. Record each crash test with a video camera. Ensure the video clearly captures the vehicle's movement before, during, and after the impact.
4. Estimate the impact force by observing the extent of damage to the vehicle and the 'passenger'. Develop a simple scale (e.g., 1-5) to rate the damage.
5. Use the video to calculate the vehicle's velocity before impact. Measure the distance the car travels in a specific time frame right before the collision.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of crash test videos and data recordings, including estimations of impact forces, calculations of velocities, and assessment of damage.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with MS-PS-2.2 as students conduct an investigation to provide evidence of how forces and mass affect the object's motion. It also sets the stage for MS-PS-3.1 by gathering data related to kinetic energy and speed.
Activity 5

Data Decoder

Students will analyze the data collected from their crash tests, identifying patterns and trends. They will calculate kinetic energy, impulse, and momentum to quantify the effects of the collision. Graphical displays of the data should be constructed and interpreted.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Analyze the video recordings of your crash tests to assess the damage to the vehicle and the impact on a 'passenger' (e.g., an egg or a small doll).
2. Calculate the kinetic energy of the vehicle before impact, using the formula KE = 1/2 * mv^2 (where m is mass and v is velocity).
3. Calculate the impulse and momentum involved in the collision.
4. Create graphs to display the relationship between kinetic energy, speed, and damage to the vehicle.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA data analysis report, including calculations of kinetic energy, impulse, and momentum, as well as graphs illustrating the relationship between these variables and the crash test results.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addresses MS-PS-3.1 as students construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to mass and speed. It also reinforces MS-PS-2.2 as students analyze the evidence of how forces affected the vehicle's motion.
Activity 6

Redesign Revolution

Based on their data analysis, students will redesign their vehicle to improve its safety performance. This involves identifying weaknesses in the original design, implementing new safety features, and justifying their design changes with scientific reasoning.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify the weaknesses in your original vehicle design based on the data analysis from the crash tests.
2. Brainstorm new safety features to address these weaknesses.
3. Modify your vehicle design to incorporate the new safety features.
4. Justify your design changes with scientific reasoning, explaining how the new features will improve the vehicle's safety performance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA redesigned crash-test vehicle, with modifications based on data analysis and scientific reasoning.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces MS-PS-2.1 as students apply Newton's Third Law to improve their solution to the problem of colliding objects. It also builds upon MS-PS-2.2 and MS-PS-3.1 as students use their understanding of forces, mass, motion, and kinetic energy to optimize the vehicle's design.
Activity 7

Grand Finale Crash

Students will conduct a final crash test with their redesigned vehicle, comparing its performance to the original design. They will analyze the data to determine whether the redesign efforts were successful in improving safety.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Conduct a final crash test with your redesigned vehicle, using the same testing parameters as before.
2. Collect data on the vehicle's performance, including impact forces, velocities, and damage.
3. Compare the data from the final crash test to the data from the original crash tests.
4. Analyze the data to determine whether the redesign efforts were successful in improving the vehicle's safety performance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative analysis of the original and redesigned vehicles' crash test performance, including conclusions about the effectiveness of the redesign efforts.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCulminates the learning related to MS-PS-2.1, MS-PS-2.2, and MS-PS-3.1 as students apply their understanding of Newton's Laws, forces, mass, motion, and kinetic energy to evaluate the success of their design improvements. It provides a comprehensive assessment of their ability to apply these concepts in a real-world context.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Crash Test Vehicle Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Newton's Laws Application

Demonstrates understanding and application of Newton's Laws of Motion to the design and analysis of the crash test vehicle.
Criterion 1

Explanation of Newton's Laws

Clarity and accuracy of the explanation of Newton's Three Laws of Motion and their relevance to car crashes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides clear, concise, and accurate explanations of all three of Newton's Laws, with insightful examples directly relevant to vehicle collisions. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the laws' implications.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides accurate explanations of all three of Newton's Laws, with relevant examples related to vehicle collisions. Shows a good understanding of the laws.

Developing
2 Points

Provides mostly accurate explanations of Newton's Laws, but may have minor inaccuracies or lack clarity in some areas. Examples may be less relevant or partially explained.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to accurately explain Newton's Laws. Explanations are unclear, incomplete, or contain significant errors. Examples are missing or irrelevant.

Criterion 2

Application to Vehicle Design

Effective application of Newton's Laws in the design and justification of the crash test vehicle's safety features.

Exemplary
4 Points

The vehicle design demonstrates innovative application of Newton's Laws to maximize safety and minimize damage during a collision. Justifications are thorough, insightful, and clearly link design choices to specific laws.

Proficient
3 Points

The vehicle design demonstrates a good understanding of Newton's Laws and incorporates appropriate safety features. Justifications are clear and explain how the design choices relate to the laws.

Developing
2 Points

The vehicle design incorporates some safety features, but the connection to Newton's Laws may be weak or unclear. Justifications are incomplete or lack specific details.

Beginning
1 Points

The vehicle design shows little or no application of Newton's Laws. Safety features are minimal or absent, and justifications are lacking or irrelevant.

Category 2

Data Collection & Analysis

Accuracy, completeness, and interpretation of data collected during crash tests, including calculations of kinetic energy, impulse, and momentum.
Criterion 1

Crash Test Data Recording

Thoroughness and accuracy of data collection during crash tests (velocities, impact forces, damage assessment).

Exemplary
4 Points

Collects comprehensive and accurate data from crash tests, including precise measurements of velocities, detailed estimations of impact forces, and thorough assessments of damage to both the vehicle and 'passenger'.

Proficient
3 Points

Collects accurate data from crash tests, including measurements of velocities, estimations of impact forces, and assessments of damage to the vehicle and 'passenger'.

Developing
2 Points

Collects some data from crash tests, but there may be gaps or inaccuracies in the measurements of velocities, estimations of impact forces, or assessments of damage.

Beginning
1 Points

Data collection from crash tests is incomplete or inaccurate. Significant data is missing, or measurements are unreliable.

Criterion 2

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Correctness of calculations (kinetic energy, impulse, momentum) and insightful interpretation of the data to identify patterns and trends.

Exemplary
4 Points

Performs accurate calculations of kinetic energy, impulse, and momentum. Provides insightful interpretation of the data, identifying key patterns and trends that reveal the relationships between variables and the effectiveness of the vehicle design.

Proficient
3 Points

Performs correct calculations of kinetic energy, impulse, and momentum. Interprets the data to identify patterns and trends related to the crash test results.

Developing
2 Points

Calculations of kinetic energy, impulse, or momentum may contain some errors. Interpretation of the data is basic and may miss important patterns or trends.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to calculate kinetic energy, impulse, or momentum. Interpretation of the data is minimal or inaccurate.

Criterion 3

Graphical Representation

Effectiveness of graphs in illustrating the relationship between kinetic energy, speed, and damage.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates clear, accurate, and visually appealing graphs that effectively illustrate the complex relationships between kinetic energy, speed, and damage. Graphs are labeled correctly and contribute significantly to data interpretation.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates accurate graphs that illustrate the relationships between kinetic energy, speed, and damage. Graphs are labeled correctly.

Developing
2 Points

Graphs are attempted, but may contain inaccuracies or be poorly labeled. The relationship between variables may not be clearly illustrated.

Beginning
1 Points

Graphs are missing or contain significant errors. The relationship between variables is not illustrated.

Category 3

Design & Redesign

Quality of the initial vehicle design, the identification of weaknesses based on data analysis, and the effectiveness of the redesign efforts.
Criterion 1

Initial Design Quality

Incorporation of safety features and justification based on scientific principles.

Exemplary
4 Points

Initial vehicle design is innovative and incorporates a variety of well-justified safety features based on a thorough understanding of scientific principles.

Proficient
3 Points

Initial vehicle design incorporates appropriate safety features and provides clear justifications based on scientific principles.

Developing
2 Points

Initial vehicle design incorporates some safety features, but the justifications may be incomplete or lack specific details.

Beginning
1 Points

Initial vehicle design lacks safety features or justifications based on scientific principles.

Criterion 2

Identification of Weaknesses

Accurate identification of weaknesses in the original design based on data analysis from crash tests.

Exemplary
4 Points

Accurately identifies and comprehensively explains the weaknesses in the original vehicle design, directly linking these weaknesses to specific data points from the crash tests.

Proficient
3 Points

Accurately identifies the weaknesses in the original vehicle design based on data analysis from the crash tests.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies some weaknesses in the original vehicle design, but the connection to data analysis may be weak or unclear.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify weaknesses in the original vehicle design or connect them to data analysis.

Criterion 3

Effectiveness of Redesign

Success in improving the vehicle's safety performance through redesign efforts, as demonstrated by comparative data analysis.

Exemplary
4 Points

Redesign efforts result in a significant improvement in the vehicle's safety performance, as clearly demonstrated by a comprehensive comparative analysis of data from the original and redesigned vehicles' crash tests.

Proficient
3 Points

Redesign efforts result in an improvement in the vehicle's safety performance, as demonstrated by a comparative analysis of data from the original and redesigned vehicles' crash tests.

Developing
2 Points

Redesign efforts result in some improvement in the vehicle's safety performance, but the comparative data analysis may be incomplete or lack clarity.

Beginning
1 Points

Redesign efforts fail to improve the vehicle's safety performance, or the comparative data analysis is minimal or inaccurate.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did your understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion evolve throughout this project, and how did this evolution influence your vehicle's design and redesign?

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Question 2

To what extent did your redesigned vehicle improve upon the safety of your original design? Use quantitative data (e.g., impact force, velocity, damage scale) from your crash tests to support your answer.

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Question 3

What were the most significant challenges you faced during the design, construction, and testing phases of this project, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?

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Question 4

If you had unlimited resources and time, what further modifications or improvements would you make to your crash-test vehicle design, and why?

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Question 5

How has this project changed your perspective on the role of physics in everyday life, particularly in the context of vehicle safety and collision dynamics?

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