STEM Update May 4th

STEM Update May 4th

Magnificent Monday!

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

I have posted your new STEM assignment to Microsoft Teams. In this, your third Gravity Car assignment, you will optimize your gravity car. This assignment is due Friday May 8 at 3:00. All instructions and criteria are explained in Teams.

To optimize your car, all you need to focus on is to get it to travel in a straight line for 3 feet.

Your assignment is to upload a video of your Gravity Car traveling as far as it can go.

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.

If your car isn't working, take 3 - 4 good pictures of it and post those pictures in Teams and I will look them over and offer advice.

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