Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic principles of physics related to building a BMX bike.
Materials and Prep
- BMX bike frame
- Wheels and tires
- Handlebars and grips
- Brakes and brake cables
- Sprocket and chain
- Allen wrench set
- Screwdriver
- Grease
- Optional: Bike repair stand
Before starting this lesson, it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of bike parts and their functions.
Activities
Assemble the BMX bike frame by attaching the wheels, handlebars, and other components using the appropriate tools and hardware.
Grease the bearings and moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
Adjust the brakes to ensure proper stopping power.
Test ride the bike and make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
Physics is the branch of science that deals with matter and energy, and how they interact with each other.
When building a BMX bike, it is important to understand the laws of motion and how they affect the bike's performance.
For example, Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. This applies to the bike's wheels when pedaling and braking.
Newton's second law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it and inversely proportional to its mass. This can be observed when pedaling and accelerating on the bike.
Finally, Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This can be seen when the rider applies force to the pedals, causing the bike to move forward.