Race Time!
Description
The goal with this project was to apply the concepts of velocity, acceleration, momentum, air resistance and friction into winning a pinewood derby car race. In groups of two, we created a small derby car with nothing but gravity to propel it forward. We used car kits and designed, cut, painted and assembled our car. Priscilla and I designed our car as a hershey's chocolate bar. After racing them we did a lab report (below). It was key for us to understand the different concepts while creating a durable car.
History of Pinewood Derby Cars
In 1935, Don Murphy was looking for another activity he could do with his son and his Cub Scout Group because the boys were too young to participate in Soap Box Derby Races. His dedication to family values "drove him" to invent pinewood derby cars. Don had been a model maker his whole life so the idea of making car models and a track came easy to him. It would be a fun and safe activity for fathers and their sons. he presented this idea to the Management Club and North American Aviation where he worked. They were the organization that sponsored the Soap Box Derby so perhaps they would sponsor the Pinewood Derby. The club loved the idea and was extremely excited to sponsor the first race.
Reflection
1. What part of the project did you like the best? Explain why.
2. What did you learn from this project?
3. What are two habits of heart and mind that you used most during this project? Explain why.
1. I really enjoyed every aspect of this project, but I think I most enjoyed the designing/painting of the car. I found that making it look realistic would be a challenge, and I enjoy painting, so it was something that I thought would challenge my personal strengths. I also enjoyed seeing the final painting, because it turned out much better than I had expected.
2. I have learned many things from participating in this project. I was taught to use formulas to find things such as Power, Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy. As far as study habits, I’ve learned how important it is to take well recorded notes so that I am able to reference and apply them in future projects.
3. I think that two habits of heart I used most often during this project were Self-Advocacy and Unlimited Potential. I was a self-advocate because I was ready to work and willing to do what I needed to do in order to get the best car that I could. I tapped into my Unlimited Potential during the painting of the car because it was the most challenging, but I continued to give it my best and I was pleased and proud of the final product.
2. What did you learn from this project?
3. What are two habits of heart and mind that you used most during this project? Explain why.
1. I really enjoyed every aspect of this project, but I think I most enjoyed the designing/painting of the car. I found that making it look realistic would be a challenge, and I enjoy painting, so it was something that I thought would challenge my personal strengths. I also enjoyed seeing the final painting, because it turned out much better than I had expected.
2. I have learned many things from participating in this project. I was taught to use formulas to find things such as Power, Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy. As far as study habits, I’ve learned how important it is to take well recorded notes so that I am able to reference and apply them in future projects.
3. I think that two habits of heart I used most often during this project were Self-Advocacy and Unlimited Potential. I was a self-advocate because I was ready to work and willing to do what I needed to do in order to get the best car that I could. I tapped into my Unlimited Potential during the painting of the car because it was the most challenging, but I continued to give it my best and I was pleased and proud of the final product.