Contents:
A classroom activity to teach children in 3rd to 5th grade about momentum, energy conservation, and the shock absorbtion properties of different materials.
In preparation for the crash test, small groups of children will have the opportunity to test several different materials as the bumper for their car. Based on their observations they will have to choose one bumper that they think will absorb the most shock upon impact with a wall. Each group will bring their choice car to the class competition- a trip down a ramp and into a classroom wall. After impact the movement of some object inside the car will serve as measurement of amount of energy disappated by their particular bumper. At the conclusion of the competition children can compare the measurements of different materials and conclude which material has the best shock absorbtion properties. For real world application, they will be asked to think about why real cars don't use this type of bumper.
Our crash test will teach children about the momentum involved in collisions. They will also realize by thier own design and testing, the strengths and weaknesses of different materials in terms of shock absorbtion. Working in small groups will induce group cooperation and decision making. By watching all groups participate with different materials, they will see the actual results of impacts and be able to prove or disprove their initial ideas about the different materials with factual measurements.
The activity pack will include:
... educational about Energy, Momentum and Material Properties
... safe -- low speeds, buffered impact
... clean -- no major messes of parts to be broken
... efficient -- 10 sets allow children to work in groups of the ideal size of 3
... promoting the drawing of conclusions from post test analysis in relation to the engineering properties addressed
... relating real world applications to the fun delivered by Crash Test
Here is the picture of our toy:
Created by the team of Ryan Parzick, Courtney Marrett, and Tony Yu