Motion and Design (4th or 5th grade)

Students explore the physics of motion and to apply these concepts to technological design. Using plastic construction materials, weights, rubber bands, and propellers, students design and build vehicles. Students record their designs using technical two-view and three-view drawings. They test how fast the vehicles move and use their findings to redesign the vehicles to move more efficiently. Cost analysis is one of the students' design requirements. As students design their vehicles, they intuitively apply concepts such as friction and kinetic and potential energy. They also explore the effect of gravity on motion. The unit concludes by challenging students to solve a design challenge and to present their findings to the class.

Trainer Tips:

• Lesson 11, involving the propeller, can be tricky. Winding the propeller more times than the sheet says sometimes works. Sometimes the wheel is too tight against the hub connector. The surface that is being used can slow the vehicle down. The rubber band needs to be looked at during the winding process so it doesn't get bunched up in one spot.

Additional Photos

Motion & Design Storyline (pdf)

Supplemental Literacy Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Sponsored By

The Motion & Design units have been generously sponsored by Schneider National Foundation.