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Research:I know you're itchin' to get started, but before you can begin designing the car, you must gain a  fundamental understanding of the physics of motion. Seriously children (I mean young adults), it has been my experience that the best Newton Cars are built by teams that do the best research. Work independently in class to complete this packet (word, pdf). Have your teacher (that's me) check your progress as you complete each section. Meet with two other students in the class to compare answers and make necessary revisions. Don't compare notes until you have made a valiant attempt on your own! I'll be watching! (top)
Design and Planning: Teams must be composed of 3 students who will take one of three essential roles: Project Manager, OFRS Engineer, and ECS Engineer.
 Project Manager: Ensures that the project moves along smoothly and maintains the records. The Project Manager is also responsible for providing and designing the platform.
The OFRS Engineer: Plans and gathers materials for the Opposing Force Reduction System (OFRS).
The ECS Engineer: Plans and gathers materials for The Energy Conversion System (ECS). (top)
I know it sounds really complicated but it isn’t. So don’t get your skivvies in a knot otherwise your mom will never be able to get those skid marks out. Take one step at a time.
- Decide who is responsible for each of the three systems.
- Gather your research and meet with your team to sketch a design for a Newton car.
- Generate a list of needed materials. (top)
Construction: You may not use class time to construct your Newton car. You and your team must make plans to meet after school or on the weekend. Depending on the complexity of your project, allow for about 3-4 hours for construction. I will be available one Saturday and after school by appointment. See me if you need materials. Do not wait until the last minute! (top)
 Adjustment and Improvement: Complete and record at least three trials at home and three trials in class. Note: Good engineers keep detailed records. Use the provided spreadsheet (word, pdf) to keep track of your progress. It is extremely important that you take careful notes of your trials so that you can document your work. Click here or go to the Evaluation page for a copy of the rubric that will be used to assess your records. (top)
Speed Calculations using Excel and iMovie: You need to prepare a spreadsheet in class to graph the speed and/or acceleration of your Newton Car for each of the trials. Distance and speed will be determined with the use of a digital video camera. Connect the camera to a laptop and record the trial against a measured background. Record the distance and elapsed time into the spreadsheet and graph acceleration and speed.
Questions?
- Can I use a fan to push the car along? No. The car must move forward by propelling an object backward. Of course if you can figure out how to make the car move forward by propelling an object forward, go for it.
- Can my car push against the wall or some other stationary object like the principal? Sorry, that’s cheating and it makes the principal very angry with me.
- How big can I make it? The Newton Car can be any size as long as it will fit through the door and not require the rental of a flatbed truck.
- Will I get extra credit for making it look real nice? Nope, but you might win a prize.
- Can I use rubber bands? Yes, you can use rubber bands but not to power a propeller or to shoot at other students during math class.
- Can I use electricity? Yes, but you still must propel an object. The electricity cannot be used to turn the wheels.
- Can mommy or daddy help us? Yes, but be careful that your 7th grade science project does not become theirs.
- What’s the meaning of life? You exist to take in nutrients (eat), expel waste products (poop), and procreate (make more nasty little creatures like you).
- What's your quest? To seek the Holy Grail.
- What’s your favorite color? Blue. No wait, it’s green. (top)
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Newton Car, but you will be doing the research individually.