Engineering Design Process – Balloon Powered Car

This activity is structured to give you an activity based introduction to the Engineering Design Process.

This particular activity can be modified in many ways and could useful at the high school level for anywhere from a single class up to five classes. There are also a number of ways to utilize this activity in a math class. The problem statement could include cost, speed, weight, etc., to increase the difficulty.

Each team of two or three will be given a kit of materials. (Balloons or non-latex gloves alternative, axle material, straw(s), cardboard, craft sticks, making tape, scissors, wheels) You may only use the materials in your kit to complete the design problem. There will be a selection of shared equipment available in front of the room. There will be cutters for the dowels and X-acto knives (in a classroom only used in frontof the teacher). You can get creative with the materials for these kits… make it fun.

The Problem- Design and construct a balloon powered car that will travel at least15 feet.

Our research step will be based on previous experiences. Brainstorm with your partner at least 4 potential designs for your car and sketch the 4 concepts into the boxes provided.

TG-Smith 2011

Option I
Key features / Option II
Key Features
Option III
Key features / Option IV
Key Features
Option V
Key Features / Option VI
Key Features

Select the best car design and explain why you chose this particular design over the other options.

We chose Option # _____

Why? Our reasons for making this choice were (at least two):

Discuss how you will construct the car and create a more detailed “final” drawing that communicates the construction details needed to build your car (a devious person would then give these plans and direction to another group to build). Make that drawing below.

Build the car and log any changes you make to the plans as you build. It is not uncommon to redesign as you work but you need to document the changes as you go.

Test your completed car multiple times and document your results and comparing those results to the Design Requirements… in this case does it go 15 feet? (A table is good here).

Test # / Distance Traveled / Meets Design Requirement?

Evaluate your results and determine ways to improve your design. List and prioritize at least three things you can do to improve the design.

1.

2.

3.

Pick one or two of the redesign options (as time allows) and make those changes and then test again to evaluate the changes.

Test # / Distance Traveled / Meets Design Requirement?

Communicate your findings. In class I use design journals, oral presentations, posters or reports.

For today, have one spokesperson give a 5 minute explanation of your thought process, findings and potential next steps if you had more time.

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