STEM Update May 11

STEM Update May 11th

Magnificent Monday!

I hope my email messages continue to find all of you and your families safe and well.

This week I'm extending your third gravity car assignment, Optimizing your Gravity Car. I'm doing this because it appears many of you are having trouble finding or working with materials to get your car to travel the goal of 3 feet. This assignment is extended until Sunday May 17.

For those of you who have submitted your video, you are done. For those of you who have not completed this assignment, remember, if you're having trouble building your Gravity Car, message me through Teams with a detailed explanation of what problems you're having with several good pictures of your car and I will help.

As you optimize your car, keep a couple of things in mind:

1) The further the weight drops, the further your car should travel.

2) If your car doesn't move, then the weight isn't enough to overcome the friction of the car. Areas of friction include:

a) Axles. Make sure they're parallel to the car (at 90 degrees to the car). Also make sure they turn smoothly.

b) String/Thread/Line attaching the weight to one axle. Make sure it is not catching or rubbing on anything.

c) Weight. Make sure the weight is heavy enough to move the car.

Also make sure you test the car on a hard surface and not carpet. Carpet increases friction.

I've also posted many, many pictures and videos of student's cars that you can look at for ideas and inspiration.

Regards,

Kevin Christensen

STEM/CTE Teacher

NJHS Advisor

FLL/FTC Robotics Club Advisor

Beaver Lake Middle School

425-837-4170

Web Site: https://christensen-stem.wixsite.com/christensen-stem