For our third project, we created a car that is powered off an energy other than gasoline, chemical or nuclear energy as a prototype pitch for the Hyundai Car Company. When the car was triggered, it was supposed to travel distance and stop at 5m while carrying a mass of 250 grams.
The alternate energy we used was elastic energy, meaning our car was powered by rubber bands. We started this project off by creating a blueprint, just like the Rube Goldberg Machine. To create the 3d perspective, we had to create three blueprints, one for top, side, and front. The blueprints contained the appearance of the car and how the elastic energy made it travel distance.
The alternate energy we used was elastic energy, meaning our car was powered by rubber bands. We started this project off by creating a blueprint, just like the Rube Goldberg Machine. To create the 3d perspective, we had to create three blueprints, one for top, side, and front. The blueprints contained the appearance of the car and how the elastic energy made it travel distance.
Production:
After finishing the blueprint, the next step was of course, to create the car. It required a lot more work than we thought, but since we had a idea of how it would look like from the blueprint, we were able to construct a machine based on the design.
As for every project, we did experience some problems with our design. The CD's weren't thick enough to move straight by themselves, and our stick wouldn't trigger the CD to move from the spring. So because of these problems, we had to make some big changes to the blueprint. In the end, it wasn't exactly what we planned, but it was realistic and could travel distance.
As for every project, we did experience some problems with our design. The CD's weren't thick enough to move straight by themselves, and our stick wouldn't trigger the CD to move from the spring. So because of these problems, we had to make some big changes to the blueprint. In the end, it wasn't exactly what we planned, but it was realistic and could travel distance.
Presentation:
After finishing the car, we had to professionally present the car to the Hyundai Car Company(theoretically). We prepared a presentation on how our car worked, what it did, and why they should choose it. Here was our presentation:
We did experience some problems before the presentation, like right before, our car stopped traveling and completely fell apart. Luckily, we had a video of it going not at its best speed, but still traveling.
So what was our final result? Although our car was malfunctioning in the end, we still made a professional pitch to the Hyundai Car Company, and got enough information from the video to provide the energy transfers and science of our car. Overall, it was worth it. Next, we will explore what scientific concepts we learned throughout this project.
Concepts:
Spring Potential Energy(J)-Energy formed from a stretch of an object such as a spring. For our car, we stretched our rubber band, and the energy of the release of the rubber band powered the car to move it's distance. We were introduced to this subject in our Physics of Sports Video Project, but we learned more about it and how to apply it in this project.
Kinetic Energy(J)-Kinetic Energy, represented by 1/2mv^2, is the energy that motion gives an object. For example, if you stretch a bow, the motion of the object creates energy for the release. This energy is called Potential Energy. However, when you release the bow, all of the Potential Energy would transfer to Kinetic Energy. Velocity(m/s)-speed in a given direction, represented by distance over time, d/t. Total Energy(J)-The total amount of energy, thermal, kinetic, and potential. |
Spring Constant-A measure of how easy it is to deform(compress or expand) a spring. It is found by Force/Distance., and measured in (N/m), newtons per meter.
Acceleration-A measure of the change of velocity in a cerrtain amount of time. It is measured by change of velocity over change of time.(m/s^2) Law of Energy Conservation-I learned this term while working on the presentation graphs. Basically the law of energy conservation is the rule that the total energy always stays the same, and that energy never disappears or appears, just transfers from one type to another. Thermal Energy(J)-The energy resulting from friction and heat. You can find this out by subtracting the kinetic and potential energy from the Total Energy. (Total Energy-Kinetic Energy-Potential Energy) |
Reflection:
Unlike the last two projects, I finally was able to take control and lead this project. I regulated the tasks for each group member, and made sure everything was being done. I was always find something that my group and I could be doing, and made sure we accomplished something every day so that it was worth it. I also was very open-minded towards my group and tried to look at problems through multiple perspectives and solve them in a calm way.
However, I should improve on attitude and leadership. I did not really have a great attitude during the project because all of the stress coming from our limited time blinded me from seeing positively. Because of this, towards the end of the project, I was very negative to my group. Another thing I should improve on is leadership. During this project, I didn't really figure out where we where supposed to be at time-wise, which made us fall behind. Next time, I should really create a detailed plan of what we're doing each day.
Despite not getting the best grade on this project, I feel that this is the best I have done so far on a STEM project. I put the most work in this project by far, and learned more than I ever have about leadership, which is the most important thing.
However, I should improve on attitude and leadership. I did not really have a great attitude during the project because all of the stress coming from our limited time blinded me from seeing positively. Because of this, towards the end of the project, I was very negative to my group. Another thing I should improve on is leadership. During this project, I didn't really figure out where we where supposed to be at time-wise, which made us fall behind. Next time, I should really create a detailed plan of what we're doing each day.
Despite not getting the best grade on this project, I feel that this is the best I have done so far on a STEM project. I put the most work in this project by far, and learned more than I ever have about leadership, which is the most important thing.