1. Applying Engineering Principles in High School Physics
By Catherine Molloseau, Ph.D.
Oregon Episcopal School
October 15, 2011

2. “The major goal of engineering is to solve problems that arise from a specific human need or desire. To do this, engineers rely on their knowledge of science and mathematics as well as their understanding of the engineering design process.”
-from A Framework for K-12 Science Education Standards, prepublication copy, National Academy of Sciences 2011

3. Overview of Presentation
Method for introducing engineering principles in the classroom
Introduction of sample engineering design lesson plan
Review common issues and considerations for students and teachers
Other engineering lesson plans to consider

4. Engineering Design Process

5. The Solar Car Project Step One: Define the Problem
Objective: students are given 2-3 weeks to design, build and test a solar car on a 10 meter outdoor track using skills developed throughout the year while gaining a better understanding of alternative renewable sources of energy
Physics topics: mechanics, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism
Constraints:
Mass of car: < 200 g
Volume: length < 10 in, height < 5 in, width < 5in
Power supply: must come from provided 3.0 V solar panel
Cost: $6 for kit of parts (provided) + $10 additional

6. Kit of Parts Each kit contains A piece of balsa wood 3.0 V solar panel
DC motor
4 plastic wheels
4 gears
2 axles
1 straw
4 aluminum washers

7. The Solar Car Project Step Two: Brainstorm
Students are put in groups of two and are given 1-2 class periods to investigate the components of the kit
Students are encouraged to draw upon their physics knowledge in deciding on a design
Preliminary sketches are made of the possible car designs either by hand or using a program such as Google Sketch up

8. The Solar Car Project Step 3: Design
Student Sample of Car Design Using Google Sketch Up (2008)

9. The Solar Car Project Step 4: Build
Students are given minute class periods to construct the car
Hot glue is often used to attach parts
Students learn how to solder wires between the motor and solar panel
An Exacto knife can be used to cut the balsa wood
Students are encouraged to decorate their cars to make them unique

10. The Solar Car Project Step 5: Test
Students do preliminary testing of cars
Common things students observe are
The car’s path (is it linear?)
The acceleration/top speed of the car
Durability
2008

11. The Solar Car Project Step 6: Share for Feedback
While students test their vehicle, they discuss any issues in order to make improvements
The teacher can also observe and question students about the design of the car
After all testing is finished, students write a 4-5 page technical paper that includes the method used, technical drawing of the car, results, and a discussion of the car’s overall performance

12. The Solar Car Project Step 7: Modify to Improve
After preliminary testing, students return to lab to make improvements
Typical issues are
Solar panel angle
Motor attachment
Gear ratio
Mass
Car veers in one direction or another
2008

13. The Solar Car Project Final Step: End Product
The race day is chosen so as to maximize the possibility for sun
The teacher locates a level surface (parking lot, track, walkway) and measures out 30 meters (oriented so the race takes place from east to west)
Students race their cars 5-7 times, and the teacher records the places of each finish
Students also record the time of each run for at least 3 races

14. The Solar Car Project Final Step: End Product
Sample cars (2011)
Race Day (2008)

15. Other considerations/common issues
Plan ahead for race day (Oregon weather even in May is often cloudy)
Specify the location of the race track and direction of travel (east to west, north to south, etc.)
Hot glue guns are a must!!
Give students at least 4 class days to work on the project (rather than requiring it to all be done outside of class)
Make it fun! Give a prize to the top 3 finishers from each class (or have a race off among different classes)

16. Other Lessons that Utilize the Engineering Design Process
Golf ball boat (1 class period)
Wind turbine (2 class periods)
Bunny Bungee (1-2 class periods)
Ornament drop survival (1 class period)
Maximizing speaker timing for surround sound (2 class periods)