Cars and Trucks Engineering STEM (SP) Course 1
How far can your Hot Wheels car move? How fast can you make your car travel? In this flexible scheduled course, we will test out cars, jumps, ramps, and crashes while learning science and engineering concepts in an engaging way. #academic
Ms. Kelli, Simply Inspired Education
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(92)
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentProjects
1 hour per week. Learners should complete each week's project to test the science of each lesson.Certificate of Completion
No formal assessment; however, I give feedback on any work that has been submitted or posted.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner Level
In this 5-week course, engineers will design ramps, tracks, jumps, and crashes to test and prove the science of force and motion. Each prerecorded lesson is delivered through Nearpod with slides, videos, interactive activities, and games. We will cover a physics concept, allow for hands-on discovery, and end with a game, or activity. All topics will be presented in a developmentally appropriate way. Cars and trucks naturally engages children’s curiosity and teaches them STEM concepts without students even realizing it! Club activities will provide a way to practice Science, Math, and Engineering through play. Not only do the learners engage in STEM, but our class also promotes a Growth Mindset and develops critical thinking skills. Learners and families will share moments of joy, excitement, curiosity, and wonder through inquiry and investigation. Learners will be assigned an engineering and science challenge to prove the science presented in each lesson. The Teacher will be available to help, comment, and provide feedback throughout the class. Hot Wheels Engineering is a multi-part unit focusing on force and motion concepts: energy, aerodynamics, momentum, resistance, and mass. The class emphasizes creative problem-solving through engaging, exploring, questioning, explaining, elaborating, and evaluating science and engineering concepts. Having your own Hot Wheels cars and tracks is not required but having some kind of moving vehicle and track (or something that can act like a track like cardboard) will greatly increase the fun and interaction for the student. Each week, Learners will be required to: * Use toy vehicles and household materials to complete each challenge * Report their findings and results of each challenge * Additional activities may include photo uploads of finished work or memory and matching games for concept review. I look forward to our time exploring science and engineering in a FUN and exciting way! Students are encouraged to continue learning in the next class, which includes all NEW challenges related to the same physics concepts. NGSS: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. (Image ID 127455840 © Glenn Mendies | Dreamstime.com)
Learning Goals
1) Creative problem-solving through engaging, exploring, questioning, explaining, elaborating, and evaluating.2) Persisting even when encountering an unexpected and difficult challenge (Growth Mindset).
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)5 Units
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksUnit 1: Energy
Lesson 1:
Potential Energy
Students will learn how to maximize potential and kinetic energy and explore various challenges to see which track designs and car features will facilitate the best energy. Unit 2: Aerodynamics
Lesson 2:
Aerodynamics
Students will learn about aerodynamic car features and explore various challenges to see which aspect moves our cars the fastest or slowest and why. Unit 3: Momentum
Lesson 3:
Momentum
Students will learn how momentum increases with the right design and explore challenges that can continue or even increase momentum without touching our cars. Unit 4: Resistance
Lesson 4:
Friction
Students will learn about the science of resistance and explore challenges, such as changing or adding friction and resistant surfaces. Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners may need help building track if this is difficult for them. Learners should have supplies close by so that when the lesson is over, they may gather the supplies they need easily.
Supply List
(Hot Wheels can be purchased at stores like Target, Walmart and Amazon for about $20). Most supplies can be found around the house: Straight tracks Two or more Hot Wheels cars or vehicles Stacked books or raised platforms of various heights (such as a coffee table, a desk, a bookcase, a countertop, or a kitchen table) Items to attach to the cars: coins, paperclips, erasers Various household items: straws, plastic bottles (full/empty), empty yogurt container, foil, plastic wrap, stuffed animals, pillows Tape (I use Scotch tape, but any will do) Ruler or tape measure Blow dryer or fan
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A1)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Lessons incorporate Nearpod.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
92reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree from University of California, Irvine
As a mom, I have played with Hot Wheels throughout my kid's elementary years. As a Public School teacher, I have taught this unit of study to fourth grade students. As an Outschool Teacher I have taught this course as a live class for several years to kids from ages 3-15.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$20
weekly5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 19 learners
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Ages: 10-15
