INTRODUCTION

Sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting, and deserts are expanding. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone contribute to global warming and are produced by cars with internal combustion engines. Automakers are responding to public pressure (and government mandates) by designing cars that reduce or eliminate these gases. However, automobile designers must balance environmental considerations with performance and safety. Is it possible to invent the perfect car?

Can you design and construct a vehicle that uses a minimum amount of energy to travel a maximum amount of distance?

Disco Chubs, the cannibalistic flying classroom hamster, needs a new car so she can find another mate to eat! (For a brief history about Chubs and the origin of her name click here.) Chubs needs a car that is wicked fast, can go really far, uses a renewable energy source, is creative, and moves forward by propelling an object backward. You will build that car.