Students will investigate how balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion, then apply Newton’s first and second laws to design a self-propelled car that moves straight and predictably. Through measuring forces, calculating net force and acceleration, averaging trials, and graphing data, they will use evidence to improve performance. Teams will plan, build, test, receive peer and woodshop feedback, and revise their cars within defined criteria and constraints. A simple portfolio, competition, reflection, and school display will communicate their design process and demonstrate how force analysis supports reliable engineering.

Students will identify and measure common contact forces, create force diagrams, and calculate net force using positive and negative values. They will explain how balanced and unbalanced forces connect to Newton’s first law and use F = ma to relate net force, mass, and acceleration. Students will collect repeated car-test measurements, calculate averages, create and interpret a graph, and use evidence to evaluate predictable motion. Teams will collaborate to design, test, critique, and refine a self-propelled car, then clearly communicate their results and reflect on their learning.

Students will create force-measurement records, free-body diagrams, net-force calculations, and a simple graph connecting force, mass, and acceleration. Teams will produce a labeled car plan, a preliminary prototype, test data with averages, peer-feedback notes, and a documented revision. The final products will be a reliable self-propelled car and a one-page display card featuring its force diagram, data graph, average distance or speed, acceleration calculation, and key design choices. A short, organizer-based portfolio will compile these artifacts with photo evidence and a brief individual self-reflection.

Launch with a “Mystery Car Challenge” by running two teacher-built self-propelled cars on a taped track—one travels straight and predictably while the other veers or stops early. Student teams observe, measure distance and time, and sketch arrows showing the pushes or pulls they think affect each car. Teams share one design explanation and one question, then receive the competition criteria and constraints. Close by introducing the essential question and inviting students to predict which force and design factors they will need to investigate.

Teams compete in a “Straight and Predictable Car Challenge,” completing multiple timed runs while invited woodshop students, teachers, and families observe. Each team briefly explains its force diagram, graphed test data, average results, acceleration calculation, and evidence-based design revisions. Afterward, display the cars, one-page display cards, and simple portfolios in a school display case, with QR codes linking to short competition videos if feasible. Recognize teams in varied categories such as straightest path, most consistent performance, strongest revision, and clearest physics explanation.