Discover Engineering in Central Texas

This experiment is provided by Zoom from pbskids.org/zoom.  Handouts are attached. 

Grade Level:  Elementary School, 1^st-6^th

Related classroom topics:  Transportation Engineers, Sailboat Engineers

Supplies Needed: 

Divide students into groups of 2-3.  Each group should receive: 

·        3 nonbendable, plastic drinking straws

·        4 lifesavers

·        1 piece of paper

·        2 paper clips

·        Tape

·        Scissors

Procedure: 

1.      Give each group the above supplies.

2.      Make a car using only the materials on the list.  To make the car move you can only blow on it.

3.      Test it out.  How far does the car go when you blow once?  How many puffs does it take to make the car travel 6 feet?

Extensions: 

See handout for suggestions of additional extensions to the experiment (located in attachments).  Redesign the car so it will travel the same distance in fewer puffs.  Change the size of the car, use less materials, use different materials etc…

Related topics you could discuss:  Wind power, sailboat engineering, engineering more aerodynamic bikes/cars, using lighter and stronger materials for bike/car frames

Hints/Tips:  Build a few models of your own that demonstrate different options in building the puff mobile.

Experiment Submitter:  Zoom from www.pbskids.org/zoom