Car Crash
Based on crash testing procedures used in the auto manufacturing industry, this project challenges students to protect a driver (an egg) from harm during a high speed crash into a wall. Students will brainstorm safety mechanisms to include in their cars using the different brainstorming methods presented during class (Free Association, SCAMPER, Random Stimulation, Others’ Points of View, and Cross Fertilization). Students will iterate on their designs by reviewing and evaluating slow motion footage of their crash tests.
Learning
Outcomes
Brainstorming
Solution Development
Objective
The large impact force during the full speed crash can lead to severe damage to the egg.
Constraints
-
Egg must survive the crash (not crack)
-
Egg must see outside
-
Load and unload quickly (no attaching egg to car)
-
Full speed crash (no slowing car down)
Materials
Materials
Amount
Cost
K’Nex Set
Cup (Seat)
Egg (plastic for testing, real for final)
Dowels
Tape
Straws
Popsicle Sticks
Cotton Balls
Rubber Bands
Cardboard (5”x7”)
Plastic Bag
String
Washers
1
1
1
4
24"
5
1
10
1
24"
5
5
4
$20
$0
$0
$3/each
$1/inch
$3/each
$3/each
$5/each
$1/each
$10
$5
$1/inch
$2/each
K’Nex Base Car
1
$0
Sample Student Work
Resources
Rubric
Checklist
Reflection Slides Template