Cars and Trucks Little Engineering STEM (SP) Class 2: Aerodynamics & Spoilers
Have you ever wondered what design features of a car make it faster? In this one-week course, our Little Engineers will test the science of aerodynamics with our cars, ramps, and tracks. #academic
Ms. Kelli, Simply Inspired Education
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(91)
What's included
1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
A challenge to prove the science.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 5
Beginner Level
This one-week class will be presented through Nearpod with slides, videos, interactive activities, and games. To get the most out of this week, please try to have at least two toy cars and some track (or something that can act as a track) available. We will discuss the concept of aerodynamics and how it applies to force and motion in a developmentally appropriate manner. We will learn about car design and what design features make them fast. After learning the science, our young engineers will design ramps, tracks, jumps, and crash setups to test their designs and experiments. Cars and trucks naturally engage children's curiosity and teach them science and math without them realizing it! This class introduces kids to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), promotes a growth mindset, and develops critical thinking skills. Through inquiry-based investigation, guidance, and discussion, students will build, test, and revise their creations. NGSS: K-2-ETS1-2. 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.
Learning Goals
1) creative problem-solving through engaging, exploring, explaining, elaborating, and evaluating2) persisting even when encountering an unexpected and difficult challenge (Growth Mindset)
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)1 Lesson
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Aerodynamics and Spoilers
What does a spoiler do to the energy of your car? This week we will explore how air moves around your car and we will be able to design our own type of spoiler to attach to a car and test if it changes the energy and speed. Other Details
Parental Guidance
If building a track is difficult for learners, they may need help. Learners should have supplies close by so that when a lesson is presented, they can easily gather the supplies they need.
Supply List
(Hot Wheels can be purchased at stores like Target, Walmart and Amazon for about $20). Straight tracks Two or more vehicles Scotch tape copy paper (just a sheet) Optional: Launchers Stacked books or raised platforms of various heights (such as a coffee table, a desk, a bookcase, countertop, or a kitchen table) Empty plastic bottle, empty yogurt container, toys etc. to knock down are optional
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.9
91reviews
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 teacher, I have taught this unit of study to fourth grade students. I have taught this class online for several years.Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$25
for all content1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 6-11
