The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Electric Cardboard Car: Part 1
Electric Cardboard Car: Part 1
A 6-8 grade STEM lesson
Michael Amato
January 29, 2024
Notes for teachers
Materials for this will need to be purchased several days in advance to ensure their delivery prior to the lesson is taught.
Click here for Part 2
List of Materials
Standards
6th Grade AZ Science Standards
6.P4U2.5 Analyze how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use (kinetic) energy.
6.P2U1.4 Develop and use a model to predict how forces act on objects at a distance.
7th Grade AZ Science Standards
7.P2U1.2 Develop and use a model to predict how forces act on objects at a distance
Standards
Standards
NGSS Standard: MS-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design):
This standard emphasizes defining the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the environment.
Students in this lesson define criteria for their electric car prototype, considering factors such as speed, maneuverability, and stability, while also exploring constraints such as available materials and budget.
NGSS Standard: MS-ETS1-2 (Engineering Design):
This standard focuses on evaluating competing design solutions based on a set of criteria and constraints and determining which solution best meets the desired characteristics or requirements.
Students compare and evaluate different design solutions for their electric cars, considering factors such as efficiency, durability, and ease of use, to determine the most effective approach.
Standards
NGSS Standard: MS-PS2-1 (Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions)��This standard emphasizes investigating and describing the relationships between the motion of an object and the forces acting upon it.
Students explore the forces involved in the operation of their electric cars, including propulsion, friction, and gravity, and analyze how these forces influence the car's motion and stability.
NGSS Standard: MS-PS2-2 (Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions)
This standard focuses on planning and conducting investigations to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces acting on the object and the mass of the object.
Students conduct experiments and gather data to understand how changes in force, such as adjusting the power of the motor or the weight distribution of the car, affect the motion and behavior of their electric cars.
Objectives:
Description:
Students are constructing a cardboard control vehicle. Throughout this process, they will practice working with circuits and motors.
Agenda
Two 50-minute class periods
This lesson is part 1 of a two-class lesson
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
Question: “What makes a car move” and “Where might we see electric vehicles in real life?”
Brainstorm: Ask students to brainstorm advantages of electric vehicles outside of the classroom. Possible answers include: agriculture, military and defense, construction and mining, transportation, search and rescue, and scientific research.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Suggested group structure:
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Assessment
Frame� Is the frame of the car sturdy and well-constructed from � cardboard?
Are the dimensions of the frame appropriate for the � design of the car?
Are the edges of the frame securely taped or glued � together to prevent separation?�
Wheel
Are the wheels securely attached to the frame?
Do the wheels rotate freely without any obstructions?
Are the wheels aligned properly to ensure smooth � movement?
Battery Box Attachment
Are the wheels securely attached to the frame?
Do the wheels rotate freely without any obstructions?
Are the wheels aligned properly to ensure smooth movement?
Differentiation
Students needing additional support in building may work with a peer.
Video components of this lesson contain simplified text at various stopping points; these can be read aloud or translated depending on student need.
Extended time
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Challenge Selection:
Present students with a list of challenges or goals they can choose from. These challenges can vary in complexity and focus on different aspects of the electric car, such as speed, agility, endurance, or functionality.
Examples of challenges:
Speed Challenge: Modify your car to achieve the fastest speed possible on a straight track.
Obstacle Course Challenge: Design your car to navigate through a challenging obstacle course with twists, turns, and barriers.
Payload Challenge: Customize your car to carry and deliver objects to specific locations.
Endurance Challenge: Build a car that can withstand prolonged use and complete multiple tasks without needing repairs.
Innovation Challenge: Come up with a unique feature or modification that enhances the performance or functionality of your car.