Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the science behind how cars work and the principles of motion.
Materials and Prep
- Toy cars or images of different car parts
- Paper and pen for notes
- No prior knowledge needed, just bring your curiosity!
Activities
- Exploring Car Parts: Take a look at different toy cars or images of car parts. Identify and learn the names of key components like engine, wheels, and transmission.
- Build a Balloon Car: Create a simple balloon-powered car using materials at home. Experiment with different designs to see which one goes the farthest.
- Race and Measure: Set up a race track and use a stopwatch to time toy cars of varying weights. Discuss how weight affects speed and distance traveled.
Talking Points
- How do cars move? "Cars move by converting fuel into energy that powers the engine, which then turns the wheels."
- What is friction? "Friction is the force that resists the motion between two surfaces. Less friction means faster movement."
- Why do cars need brakes? "Brakes help cars stop by applying friction to the wheels, converting the car's kinetic energy into heat."
- What is aerodynamics? "Aerodynamics is the science of how air flows around objects. Car designers use aerodynamics to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency."
- How does a car engine work? "A car engine burns fuel to create small explosions that push pistons up and down, ultimately turning the wheels."