Lesson 3: Optimization: The Challenge
Duration of Days: 5.5
Lesson Objective
Students will manipulate the mass of their vehicle to maximize acceleration according to Newton’s Second Law.
1. If the thrust (force) is constant, how does adding mass change the speed?
2. Where can you remove weight from your design without losing structural integrity?
Newton’s Second Law ($F=ma$), Acceleration, Mass, Velocity, Optimization.
ENG.02.08: Test and evaluate the design solution
Students conduct timed trials. They weigh their cars, calculate the speed, and then "shave off" weight (trimming cardboard, using smaller wheels) to see the impact on acceleration.
Purpose: To apply the mathematical relationship to a real-world engineering problem.
DOK Level: Level 4 (Extended Thinking).
Pair students into "Pit Crews." One student focuses on mass reduction, while the other focuses on nozzle (thrust) adjustment.
A "Performance Graph" showing the relationship between Car Mass and Distance Traveled.
Materials: Digital scales, measuring tapes, hobby knives (for trimming), extra balloons.