CREATIVITY

It starts with the design, masking, and painting of the car bodies. Each student creates two car bodies.

BUILDING BASICS

At the end of each module, students write about the concepts learned and answer questions to measure their understanding.

READING AND UNDERSTANDING DIRECTIONS

The student modules contain complete written instructions and exploded view drawings to guide them through the assembly process. Building a successful car requires attention to detail.

LEARN, BUILD, APPLY METHODOLOGY

The purpose and theory of each component is discussed and the building reinforces understanding. For example, basic electronic circuits are discussed in module 5 then the electronics are assembled, tested, and added to the car.

PHYSICAL CONCEPTS ARE INTRODUCED
THROUGHOUT THE MODULES

Some of the concepts included are:
Force distribution, Force = Mass x Acceleration,
Fluid Mechanics – Damping, Weight = Mass x Gravity

PROBLEM SOLVING / ANALYSIS

Problems are identified during the first test drive, techniques of problem analysis are discussed then the students troubleshoot and fix their cars.

LEARNING TO DRIVE WITH MATH

Computing the shortest distance around a track – understanding apex and arc. Speed alone is a losing strategy. Understanding Weight = Mass x Gravity leads to control. Control beats speed.