Learning Goals
Students will be able to analyze labeled force diagrams and signed net-force calculations to explain how balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion according to Newton’s first law
Students will be able to measure forces acting on a car with a spring scale to express pushes, pulls, and interactions in newtons
Students will be able to apply Newton’s second-law equation to calculate and explain relationships among net force, mass, and acceleration using correct units
Students will be able to analyze repeated car-test measurements by calculating averages, graphing variables, and interpreting slope as quantitative evidence of performance
Students will be able to define a self-propelled-car engineering problem using measurable performance criteria, material and safety constraints, and relevant force and energy principles
Students will be able to evaluate at least three distinct self-propelled-car concepts using annotated plans and a weighted decision matrix to justify a design selection
Students will be able to optimize and communicate a self-propelled-car design using controlled test data, peer feedback, and reflection to address a specific performance limitation
Products
Individual Forces-and-Motion Engineering Design Portfolio
Each student creates an original portfolio containing force measurements and diagrams, signed net-force and Fnet = ma calculations, trial-data analysis, three annotated car concepts, a weighted decision matrix, and evidence-based design reflections. Individual concepts and justifications are submitted before the team selects its shared design.
Tested Self-Propelled Car and Open-House Engineering Evidence Board
Each team builds a safe self-propelled car, conducts repeated quantitative tests, and completes at least one evidence-driven revision before demonstrating it at the school open house. An evidence board presents the specifications, force analysis, averaged data, graphs, design trade-offs, peer feedback, revision decisions, performance, and limitations.
No rubric has been generated yet.