Motorized Car
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a car that uses a battery-operated motor to "drive" at least ten feet. Educators can use this activity as a fun, hands-on way to introduce the design process as well as circuitry and motors to learners.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $5 - $10 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 1.5-volt AA battery
- AA battery holder (optional)
- Compact discs (CDs)
- Corrugated cardboard (one piece about 5 1/2 inches square)
- Electrical wire (22-gauge)
- 8 faucet washers (4, Size: 1/4 inch Large; and 4, Size: 1 to 1 1/8 inch)
- Motor with attached gear that runs on 1.5-volt AA battery
- Poster putty (1/4 package—the tackiest available)
- 2 wooden skewers (the thinnest available)
- Scissors
- Tape (masking or duct)
- Wire strippers
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electric Motors
- Electric Circuits
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Electronics
- Toys
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Learner handout (English PDF)
- Learner handout (Spanish PDF)
- Leader notes (page 4 of PDF)
- The Need For Speed Episode
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection:
- Design Squad Nation
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2010
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 0810996
