Science Pinewood Derby
This program is designed for two different age groups; delineated by the use of math. The program is being developed and tested. The two lane rented for a week would allow for all kinds of options.
Possible Concepts Covered
Potential energy to kinetic energy: with one car getting a head start down the track by starting lower. This would be when to start using a metaphor like water between cups.
Math: teach m*g*delta(h); exercise: do a foot race to beat the cars.
Weight’s impact on racing: 2 cars one 10 oz the other 3 oz point result of mass Compare to pouring a little water vs a lot of water
Math: predict a 7oz car’s time given the 2 and 10 cars Exercise: Do a Jumping-Jack with a little one vs a big adult and hear how the floor shakes
Rotational Energy: Ball vs Car bring up the energy stored in the spinning of wheels
Math: Introduce formula for Rotational Inertia Exercise
Rotational Energy 2: Metal Ring vs Metal Puck: ask which one they believe is more likely
Math show equations. Exercise: