This curriculum is designed for three weeks of class time, and students begin by learning engineering and rapid prototype processes and seeing how the 3-D printer operates. Then, they work in teams to design their own battery-operated cars, using the 3-D printer to make parts to construct their vehicles. Finally, they see the results of their work on race day.
Written by an engineer, this classroom activity was developed to address several Next Generation Science Standards, specifically the Grades 6-9 Engineering Design performance expectations. Aside from helping instructors meet standards, the activity helps students experience real-world conditions such as peer review and working within a budget.
ZPI41456