"Remote Car Rally: Brainpower on Wheels!"

8th Grade

Project
3 weeks

"Remote Car Rally: Brainpower on Wheels!"

Alejandro Fuentes

Purpose

Students will design and build a functional remote control car, exploring the essential question of how to navigate a challenging obstacle course. Through hands-on experimentation, they will investigate various components such as motors, chassis materials, and electronic circuits, while integrating Spanish vocabulary and cultural contexts related to technology and engineering. This project encourages collaboration and problem-solving as students test different designs and iterate based on their findings. By the end, students will have a deeper understanding of engineering principles, the practical application of physics, mathematical calculations for speed and distance, and the ability to connect humanities concepts to their creations. Additionally, students will engage with Common Core standards by applying mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and language arts skills in documenting and presenting their process, while also exploring historical and cultural perspectives in social studies.

Learning goals

Students will explore material properties and applications to select suitable options for constructing a remote control car, incorporating Spanish vocabulary related to engineering and design. They will develop engineering design, problem-solving, and collaboration skills as they prototype and test components, while examining the historical and cultural significance of automotive innovation in humanities. Students will apply mathematical concepts to calculate speed, distance, and power requirements for their cars. By the end of the project, students will understand how to integrate mechanical and electronic systems to create a functional RC car, manage time and resources effectively, and communicate their design process in both English and Spanish. Additionally, students will engage with Common Core standards in science by applying principles of physics and engineering, in math by using algebraic reasoning, in ELA by articulating their design process, and in social studies by exploring the impact of technological advancements.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7: Solve linear equations in one variable.
NGSS - MS-PS2-3: Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a functional remote control car using a combination of recycled materials, basic electronic components, and simple tools. Throughout the project, they will document their design process and material choices in a bilingual digital portfolio, incorporating Spanish vocabulary and phrases related to their project. They will apply mathematical concepts such as measurement and geometry to ensure precision in their designs and use scientific principles to understand the mechanics of motion and energy. By the end of the three weeks, each group will present their working RC car, reflecting on the materials used and discussing the effectiveness and sustainability of their choices, while integrating historical and cultural perspectives on transportation innovations.

Launch

Begin the project by hosting a hands-on exploration session where students examine and deconstruct various remote control cars to understand their components and materials. Facilitate small group discussions where students brainstorm and list potential materials they might use to build their own RC cars, incorporating Spanish vocabulary related to the parts and materials. Encourage each group to create a concept sketch of their RC car design, highlighting the materials they plan to use, and write a short description in both English and Spanish. Integrate math by having students calculate dimensions and scale, and science by exploring the physics of motion and energy. This activity sets the stage for deeper inquiry into the essential question and sparks creativity and collaboration, while integrating language learning.

Exhibition

Host a 'Remote Control Car Rally' at Manchester Elementary where students showcase their cars to younger students and teachers, with each car attempting to complete the obstacle course while students narrate their design journey. Incorporate Spanish by having students prepare a bilingual presentation, explaining their design process and challenges in both English and Spanish. Integrate humanities by encouraging students to reflect on the historical development of remote control technology and its impact on society, sharing these insights during their presentations. Include math by having students calculate speed, distance, and time for their cars, and science by explaining the physics principles at play, such as friction and force, during their demonstration.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction and Component Exploration - Facilitate a hands-on session where students dismantle various remote control cars to understand their components such as motors, battery packs, and chassis. Discuss the role of each part and introduce relevant Spanish vocabulary.	Activity 2: Design Sprint Challenge - In teams, students brainstorm and sketch initial designs for their RC car, focusing on creativity and feasibility. They will receive peer feedback on their sketches to refine their ideas.	Activity 3: Material Properties Investigation - Students research the properties of potential materials (e.g., plastic, metal, wood) for their car's construction, considering factors like weight, durability, and environmental impact. Incorporate Spanish terms for these materials.	Activity 4: Prototype Development - Using cardboard and basic materials, students build a simple prototype of their car. The focus is on understanding design feasibility and making initial design adjustments.	Activity 5: Feedback and Iteration - Present prototypes to peers for a critique session, where students give and receive constructive feedback. Teams revise their designs based on this input, documenting changes in their digital journals.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A detailed sketch of the RC car design with labeled components and materials, presented in both English and Spanish. 2. Deliverable 2: A brief research report on material properties and their impacts, including a list of preferred materials.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Collect a variety of remote control cars for disassembly and ensure they are safe for exploration. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare resources on material properties, including articles, videos, and digital content, accessible in both English and Spanish. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide sketching materials such as paper, pencils, rulers, and markers for initial design activities. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize digital devices for research and documentation, ensuring internet access for all students. 5. Prep Task 5: Establish guidelines and a framework for feedback sessions, focusing on constructive and respectful critiques.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Component Assembly - Students begin assembling the basic structure of their RC car using selected materials. Focus on constructing the chassis and attaching the wheels using basic tools and adhesives, ensuring all parts are securely connected.	Activity 2: Motor Integration - Introduce students to different types of motors and their functions. Guide them in selecting and installing motors into their car designs, ensuring proper alignment with the wheels for effective movement.	Activity 3: Circuit Design and Testing - Students will learn about simple electronic circuits required to power and control their car. They will create a basic circuit using batteries, switches, and wires, testing it to ensure it functions correctly.	Activity 4: Remote Control Setup - Students will explore remote control systems, learning how to connect and configure a basic transmitter and receiver to operate their RC car. Discuss the principles behind wireless communication to enhance understanding.	Activity 5: Troubleshooting and Refinement - Test the assembled cars, identifying issues with movement or control. Students will troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments to improve performance and reliability, focusing on iterative problem-solving.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Assembled RC car chassis with integrated wheels and motors. 2. Deliverable 2: Functional circuit diagram with annotations explaining connections and components used. 3. Deliverable 3: Written reflection in digital journals detailing the assembly process, challenges faced, and solutions developed, incorporating relevant Spanish vocabulary.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Organize tools and materials needed for assembly, such as screwdrivers, glue guns, and wire cutters. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide a selection of motors and remote control systems for students to choose from, ensuring compatibility with their designs. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare instructional materials on basic electronic circuits and motor integration, including videos and diagrams. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up workstations with safety equipment and ensure power supplies are available for testing circuits. 5. Prep Task 5: Plan a troubleshooting support session, offering guidance on common issues and solutions during the assembly process.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Assembly and Calibration - Students complete the final assembly of their RC cars, ensuring all components are securely attached and the electrical systems are functioning. Focus on calibrating the cars for optimal speed, control, and maneuverability.	Activity 2: Performance Testing and Troubleshooting - Conduct comprehensive tests on the in-class obstacle course. Students assess their car's speed, control, and ability to navigate obstacles, making necessary adjustments to improve functionality and reliability.	Activity 3: Digital Portfolio and Bilingual Reflection - Students finalize their digital portfolios, documenting the entire project journey including design process, challenges, and solutions. Encourage them to incorporate reflections and insights in both English and Spanish.	Activity 4: Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice their presentations for the 'Remote Control Car Rally,' focusing on clearly communicating their design process, engineering challenges, and cultural insights, integrating both English and Spanish.	Activity 5: Remote Control Car Rally and Exhibition - Host the event at Manchester Elementary. Students present and demonstrate their RC cars on the obstacle course, providing a bilingual narrative of their design journey. Engage with younger students in a Q&A session, discussing the engineering concepts and cultural elements involved in their project.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Fully functional RC car capable of navigating the obstacle course. 2. Deliverable 2: Bilingual digital portfolio showcasing the design process, challenges faced, and reflections. 3. Deliverable 3: Live presentation and demonstration of the RC car at the rally.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare and set up the obstacle course, ensuring it is challenging yet achievable for the student demonstrations. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange digital devices for students to finalize their portfolios and practice presentations. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with Manchester Elementary for hosting the rally, ensuring the availability of space and necessary equipment. 4. Prep Task 4: Create feedback forms for attendees to provide input on student presentations and car performance. 5. Prep Task 5: Ensure all safety protocols are in place for both testing and the exhibition, providing necessary safety equipment.