Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will understand the math and science concepts behind designing a go-kart and be able to apply them to create your own mini go-kart model.
Materials and Prep
- Paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Tape
- Calculator
- Internet access for research
No prior knowledge needed, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Activities
- Research Time: Use the internet to research the different components of a go-kart and how they work together.
- Design Your Kart: Sketch out your own go-kart design on paper, including the dimensions and features you want to include.
- Math Calculations: Calculate the speed, acceleration, and turning radius of your go-kart based on your design.
- Build a Model: Using paper and tape, create a mini model of your go-kart to visualize your design in 3D.
Talking Points
- Go-Kart Components: "A go-kart consists of various parts like chassis, engine, wheels, and steering system that work together to make it move."
- Speed Calculation: "To calculate the speed of a go-kart, we need to consider factors like wheel diameter, gear ratio, and engine power."
- Acceleration: "Acceleration is how quickly the go-kart can increase its speed. It depends on factors like engine power and weight of the kart."
- Turning Radius: "The turning radius of a go-kart is the smallest circle it can turn in. It is influenced by factors like wheelbase and steering mechanism."
- Design Iteration: "It's okay to make changes to your design as you learn more. Designing and testing different versions can help improve your go-kart model."