Learning Goal: I can identify which of the key criteria and constraints were met by my design and and which were not met. I can identify, explain, and develop possible design improvements.
Fill out questions 1-4 right away, then finish building a car until it is ready to test.
As you test the car, fill out questions 5-9. These questions will count for a Crit C grade! This is due for homework if you don't finish today.
4 points
4
Question 1
1.
Take a picture of your car now - even if it is only partway done.
1 point
1
Question 2
2.
What was one challenge you ran into while building so far?
4 points
4
Question 3
3.
Which of the criteria & constraints does it definitely meet already?
1 point
1
Question 4
4.
What do you still need to work on or improve? Jot down your game plan for today:
GREAT, start building! Whenever you are ready to test, keep going.
The rest of this formative will count for part of your Crit D Grade!
Ready to test?
Remember the goal for your car: to consistently travel in a straight line for at least three meters within a one meter wide area.
Using a tape measure, meter stick or your yarn, please use it to set up a testing track on a smooth floor, sidewalk, or driveway. You might place a small object at each corner of the testing area.
Your track should be 1 meter wide (approximately 3 ft 3 inches) and at least 3 meters long (9 feet 10 inches). If you have a longer space, you can see how far your car can really go!
Here's what it might look like:
Here's a video where I explain questions 5-9. Watch this if you need tips!
1 point
1
Question 5
5.
Set up your track as described above and record a video of your car in motion by using the new "record video" option in the "+" menu --->
2 points
2
Question 6
6.
Complete the table below. It asks you to run three "trials" and calculate the average. Read carefully before you start:
1. The moment you release your car at the starting line, start a timer / stopwatch. Here's one online. Use a partner in your breakout room as support for more accurate timing!
2. Pause the stopwatch as soon as the car stops or leaves the track. Record under column 1.
3. Use your measuring tape to record how far it traveled. (No measuring tape? To estimate, pace out how far it traveled heal-to-toe, and multiply your paces by 0.2 meters.) Record under column 2.
4. Under "notes", write anything important that might have affected the distance or speed. (For example: "Car curved off track." "Rubber band snapped." "Testing on a carpet.")
5. Repeat for 2 more trials, then calculate average distance and time. To calculate averages, add up the three values. then divide by 3. Here's a calculator.
1 point
1
Question 7
7.
What is the average speed your car achieved? Average speed = average distance divided by average time. The unit is m/s (meters per second).
2 points
2
Question 8
8.
Did you succeed in creating a car that consistently traveled 3 meters within the track? Yes/not yet.
If so, describe 2 elements of your car that were successful.
If not, identify and describe what isn't working yet.
2 points
2
Question 9
9.
We will continue to "iterate" or redesign & retest. So, based on your tests, what could you do to try to improve your car?
Describe a specific way you might be able to modify your design to fix it, and why you think that will improve the car (2-3 sentences).
If you finished this during class, nice work! Use the time to make some of the improvements you thought of above.