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High School, 9th Grades
- Project
- 6 weeks
Crash Test Crusaders: Designing Safer Roads for All
HS-PS2-1
HS-PS2-3
HS-ETS1-2
Students collaborate with others to complete tasks and solve problems successfully.
Students are familiar with and able to use effectively the tools and techniques specific to a content area.
+ 27 more
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage students in a critical exploration of car crash safety disparities and to empower them to design more inclusive safety solutions. Through hands-on experimentation and real-world problem-solving, students will apply physics principles to understand the impact of car crashes and develop proposals for equitable safety designs. By collaborating with peers and community partners, students will not only deepen their understanding of the subject but also advocate for improved safety standards that consider diverse body types and demographics.
Learning goals
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of Newton's laws of motion, specifically focusing on how these principles apply to car crash dynamics and safety design. They will critically analyze current crash safety disparities and propose inclusive solutions by integrating physics concepts with real-world data. Through collaborative design and iterative prototyping, students will refine their engineering skills and enhance their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, they will cultivate an academic mindset that values the relevance of physics in everyday life, particularly in the context of driving safety and vehicle design.
Standards
- HS-PS2-1 - Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
- HS-PS2-3 - Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.
- HS-ETS1-2 - Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Competencies
- Work collaboratively. - Students collaborate with others to complete tasks and solve problems successfully.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students are familiar with and able to use effectively the tools and techniques specific to a content area.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students formulate problems and generate hypotheses.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students evaluate, integrate, and critically analyze multiple sources of information.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students monitor and refine the problem-solving process as needed, based on available data.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students reason and construct justifiable arguments in support of a hypothesis.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students identify data and information needed to solve a problem.
- Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students persist to solve complex problems.
- Master core academic content - Students understand key principles and relationships within a content area and organize information in a conceptual framework.
- Master core academic content - Students have procedural knowledge of a content area and know how content knowledge is produced and how experts solve problems.
- Master core academic content - Students know and are able to use the language specific to a content area.
- Master core academic content - Students apply facts, processes, and theories to real world situations.
- Work collaboratively. - Students communicate and incorporate multiple points of view to meet group goals.
- Learn how to learn. - Students set a goal for each learning task, monitor their progress towards the goal, and adapt their approach as needed to successfully complete a task or solve a problem.
- Learn how to learn. - Students routinely reflect on their learning experiences and apply insights to subsequent situations.
- Learn how to learn. - Students use failures and setbacks as opportunities for feedback and apply lessons learned to improve future efforts.
- Learn how to learn. - Students care about the quality of their work and put in extra effort to do things thoroughly and well.
- Learn how to learn. - Students continue looking for new ways to learn challenging material or solve difficult problems.
- Develop academic mindsets. - Students feel a strong sense of belonging within a community of learners and value intellectual engagement with others.
- Develop academic mindsets. - Students readily engage in the construction of meaning and understanding through interaction with peers.
- Develop academic mindsets. - Students perceive the inherent value of content knowledge and of learning and developing skills.
- Develop academic mindsets. - Students see the relevance of school work to their lives and interests.
- Develop academic mindsets. - Students understand how work they do now will benefit them in the future.
- Communicate effectively. - Students communicate complex concepts to others in both written and oral presentations.
- Communicate effectively. - Students structure information and data in meaningful and useful ways.
- Communicate effectively. - Students listen to and incorporate feedback and ideas from others.
- Communicate effectively. - Students provide constructive and appropriate feedback to their peers.
- Communicate effectively. - Students understand that creating a quality final communication requires review and revision of multiple drafts.
- Communicate effectively. - Students tailor their message for the intended audience.
Products
Students will create a small-scale car crash model or simulation to demonstrate the impact of collisions on different body types. They will develop a research-backed design proposal for more inclusive safety testing or improved vehicle designs, focusing on equitable safety measures. Additionally, students will produce advocacy or PSA-style posters that propose enhanced safety standards, offer safety tips to teen drivers, and highlight the hazards of driving. These products will be showcased at the exhibition, with standout projects potentially submitted to competitions or community safety events for further recognition.
Launch
Begin the project by presenting students with real-world data on car crash injuries, highlighting disparities in safety outcomes for different demographics. Facilitate a Question Formulation Technique (QFT) session where students generate questions about the data, sparking curiosity and guiding their inquiry throughout the project. Share a personal story about car accidents and the importance of informed driving, connecting the project to their imminent experiences as new drivers. Engage students in a hands-on engineering challenge where they design a model car to protect a fragile "passenger," fostering creativity and critical thinking from the outset.
Exhibition
Students will host an interactive gallery-style exhibition on campus, showcasing their research and innovative designs for inclusive car safety measures. The event will feature live crash test demonstrations of model cars, student-led discussions, and displays of their advocacy posters. Guests, including family, peers, and community members, will engage in providing feedback and discussing the implications of the students' findings. Select projects may be submitted to local competitions or community safety events to further highlight the students' work.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Introduction and Personal Story - Introduce the project by sharing personal experiences with car accidents and the importance of informed driving as students approach licensing; emphasize the relevance of the project to their lives (20 min)
Data Analysis and QFT Protocol - Present real-world car crash injury data, guiding students through a Question Formulation Technique (QFT) to generate and prioritize questions about safety disparities (50 min)
Discussion on Essential Questions - Facilitate a class discussion on the essential questions of the project, encouraging students to connect their initial questions to these broader inquiries (30 min)
Team Formation and Initial Brainstorm - Form collaborative teams and have each group brainstorm initial ideas for their project focus and potential safety solutions (20 min)
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Understanding Crash Dynamics - Introduce basic physics concepts related to car crashes, focusing on Newton's laws of motion and how they apply to crash dynamics (30 min)
Crash Safety Disparities Research - Guide students in researching current disparities in crash safety, emphasizing the impact on women, children, and non-average body types (40 min)
Group Reflection and Sharing - Have groups reflect on their research findings and share key insights with the class to build a collective understanding (20 min)
Introduction to Engineering Challenge - Outline the parameters and objectives of the model car engineering challenge, emphasizing the importance of protecting a fragile passenger (30 min)
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Material Exploration and Selection - Provide students with a variety of materials and facilitate exploration, encouraging them to consider material properties for their model car designs (30 min)
Model Car Design Planning - Allow time for groups to plan and sketch their model car designs, considering dimensions and material costs (40 min)
Budgeting and Resource Allocation - Guide students in calculating the total cost of their materials and making decisions to optimize their designs within budget constraints (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Facilitate a session where groups present their design plans and receive constructive feedback from peers (30 min)
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Prototype Construction - Allocate time for groups to begin the construction of their model cars, applying their design plans and making necessary adjustments (60 min)
Testing and Iteration - Provide space for initial testing of model cars, encouraging groups to observe outcomes and refine their designs based on test results (40 min)
Reflection and Documentation - Have students reflect on the day's work and document their design process and any modifications made, preparing for further iteration next week (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed engineering challenge models and cost analysis report, detailing the materials used and total cost of their prototype.
2. A list of questions generated from the QFT session to guide further research and project development. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and prepare materials for the engineering challenge, including a variety of materials like cardboard, rubber bands, straws, and tape, along with a pricing list for each item.
2. Organize and prepare real-world car crash data and safety disparity statistics for the initial presentation. 3. Set up a space for the QFT session with necessary chart paper or digital tools for students to record their questions. 4. Ensure access to resources for understanding Newton's laws, such as interactive simulations or online videos. 5. Coordinate with the school to allow space and time for the crash test demonstration area. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Crash Safety Disparities Research - Students analyze data on crash safety disparities across different demographics, forming hypotheses about causes (40 min)
Group Discussion on Findings - Students share insights from their research in small groups, discussing potential systemic issues and sharing perspectives (30 min)
Introduction to Newton's Laws - Students engage in a hands-on demonstration to understand Newton's laws of motion using simple experiments (50 min)
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Physics Principles Application - Students apply Newton's second law by calculating force, mass, and acceleration in various crash scenarios (60 min)
Safety Device Brainstorming - Students work in teams to brainstorm possible safety device designs that accommodate diverse body types (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Groups present their initial design ideas and receive constructive feedback from peers (30 min)
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Design Iteration Workshop - Students refine their safety device designs based on peer feedback and additional research (50 min)
Crash Model Construction - Begin building small-scale crash models using materials provided, focusing on protecting diverse 'passengers' (70 min)
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Model Testing and Data Collection - Conduct initial crash tests with models, recording data on impact and passenger safety (60 min)
Analysis and Reflection - Analyze test results, discussing how well designs met safety goals and identifying areas for improvement (30 min)
Design Revisions - Begin revising model designs based on test data and reflections, preparing for next week's continued iteration (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A group research report detailing findings on crash safety disparities, supported by data analysis and case studies.
2. A lab report that includes data collected from the physics lab session, with analysis of impact forces and effectiveness of safety measures. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather research materials and resources, including access to online databases and case studies on crash safety disparities.
2. Set up the physics lab with necessary equipment, including small-scale model cars, sensors, and data recording tools. 3. Prepare guidelines and templates for students to follow during their research and lab report writing. 4. Organize the classroom for group work and peer review sessions, ensuring a collaborative environment. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Advanced Crash Dynamics - Conduct an in-depth exploration of momentum, impulse, and inertia in car crashes, applying these concepts to model car designs (30 min)
Safety Design Evaluation - Analyze current vehicle safety features, discussing their effectiveness and potential improvements for inclusivity (30 min)
Model Car Prototype Refinement - Continue refining model car designs based on feedback and safety feature research, ensuring alignment with project goals (40 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Engage in a peer review session to provide and receive constructive feedback on design improvements (20 min)
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Introduction to Data Analysis Tools - Introduce tools for analyzing crash test data, focusing on interpreting results to inform design decisions (30 min)
Simulated Crash Testing - Conduct simulated crash tests with model cars, documenting outcomes and identifying areas for design refinement (50 min)
Data-Driven Design Iteration - Use crash test data to make evidence-based modifications to model car designs, enhancing safety features (30 min)
Reflection and Planning - Reflect on test results and plan next steps for further iterations, setting specific goals for improvement (10 min)
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Guest Speaker Session - Host a crash safety engineer to discuss real-world applications of physics in vehicle safety design, linking to student projects (30 min)
Collaborative Design Solutions - In groups, brainstorm and develop innovative safety solutions inspired by guest insights and crash test data (40 min)
Prototype Rebuild and Testing - Rebuild and test model car prototypes with newly integrated safety solutions, documenting performance (40 min)
Group Reflection - Reflect on the effectiveness of new design features and discuss potential improvements in group settings (10 min)
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Preparation for Mid-Project Presentation - Guide students in preparing a mid-project presentation outlining their design process, findings, and future plans (30 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Facilitate rehearsals of presentations, focusing on effective communication and clarity of complex concepts (40 min)
Peer Feedback on Presentations - Conduct a peer feedback session to refine presentation skills and improve content delivery (30 min)
Revision and Finalization - Make final adjustments to presentations based on feedback, ensuring readiness for next week's exhibition (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Crash test simulation data report analyzing results and insights.
2. Draft of the engineering proposal report with initial findings and design modifications. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare crash testing area with necessary materials and safety protocols.
2. Gather data collection tools such as sensors and software for accurate impact assessment. 3. Provide templates and guidelines for drafting engineering proposal reports. 4. Compile resources and examples for effective PSA-style poster design. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Advanced Crash Dynamics Exploration - Deepen understanding of crash physics by analyzing complex crash scenarios using Newton's laws and discussing their implications for safety design (40 min)
Prototype Enhancement Session - Students refine their model cars based on previous test data, incorporating advanced materials or design features to enhance passenger protection (50 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Facilitate a session where groups present their enhanced designs and receive targeted feedback from peers to guide further improvements (30 min)
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Safety Device Innovation Workshop - Introduce innovative safety mechanisms and guide students in brainstorming new ideas or improvements for their designs (40 min)
Material Testing and Analysis - Conduct hands-on experiments to test material properties under different stress conditions, applying findings to improve model designs (40 min)
Reflection and Documentation - Encourage students to document their design changes and reflect on how material properties influence crash outcomes, preparing for final model iteration (40 min)
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Final Prototype Construction - Allocate time for students to integrate feedback and material testing results into their final model construction, ensuring all safety features are optimized (60 min)
Crash Test Simulation and Data Collection - Conduct thorough crash tests using final models, recording detailed data on crash impacts and passenger safety (40 min)
Data Analysis and Design Evaluation - Guide students in analyzing crash test data to evaluate the effectiveness of their designs and prepare for presentation (20 min)
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Presentation Preparation - Students develop and practice their presentations, focusing on clearly communicating design processes, test results, and proposed solutions (40 min)
Poster Creation and Design - Collaborate in teams to create advocacy posters that highlight safety tips and propose improved safety standards for diverse passengers (40 min)
Exhibition Setup Planning - Organize logistics for the upcoming exhibition, assigning roles and responsibilities for effective showcase of student projects (40 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A revised prototype of the car model incorporating peer feedback and new data insights.
2. A draft version of the PSA-style poster that outlines key safety recommendations and highlights disparities in crash testing. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather a variety of materials for testing impact absorption, such as foam, sponge, cardboard, and different types of plastics.
2. Set up testing stations with mini ramps and weights to simulate crashes at different angles and speeds. 3. Ensure access to computers with Tinkercad for students to refine their digital models. 4. Prepare a rubric for peer critique sessions focusing on safety, affordability, and inclusivity. 5. Provide poster materials or digital design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Spark) for PSA poster creation. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering presentations with a focus on clarity, coherence, and engaging the audience by highlighting key discoveries and proposed solutions (40 min)
Peer Feedback and Iteration - Conduct a structured feedback session where peers provide constructive comments on presentation delivery, allowing for iterations (30 min)
Poster Finalization - Refine and finalize advocacy posters, ensuring they effectively convey safety tips and proposed standards for diverse passengers (30 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Plan and organize the logistics for the exhibition, assigning roles and responsibilities for the showcase (20 min)
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Interactive Model Display Setup - Arrange and organize the crash models and simulations for interactive exhibition displays, ensuring functionality and safety (40 min)
Final Design Documentation - Complete the documentation of design processes, iterations, and outcomes, preparing for exhibition presentation (30 min)
Exhibition Setup and Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the exhibition setup, including model demonstrations and poster displays, ensuring readiness (30 min)
Feedback Incorporation - Integrate any last-minute feedback into presentations and models, finalizing all elements for exhibition (20 min)
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Exhibition Execution - Host the interactive exhibition, engaging with peers, family, and community members through live demonstrations and discussions (60 min)
Audience Feedback Collection - Gather feedback from exhibition guests to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of presentations and models (30 min)
Reflection and Debrief - Conduct a group reflection session to discuss exhibition experiences, lessons learned, and areas for future improvement (30 min)
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Project Reflection Essay - Write a reflective essay on the project experience, focusing on personal growth, challenges encountered, and future applications of learning (40 min)
Digital Archiving - Digitally archive project materials, including posters, presentation slides, and model photos, for future reference and sharing (40 min)
Celebration and Acknowledgments - Celebrate project completion with peers, recognizing individual and group achievements and contributions (40 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A finalized small-scale car crash model or simulation ready for exhibition.
2. A completed research-backed design proposal document. 3. Finalized advocacy or PSA-style posters. 4. A prepared presentation plan and setup for the exhibition. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all necessary materials for model refinement and poster completion are available (e.g., paper, markers, computer access for digital designs).
2. Coordinate with technology support for any multimedia needs during the exhibition (e.g., projectors, screens). 3. Organize the exhibition space, including tables, chairs, and display boards. 4. Schedule practice sessions for students to rehearse their presentations and receive feedback. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Model Testing and Data Collection - Conduct comprehensive crash tests using completed models, meticulously recording data on impact outcomes and safety performance; evaluate the effectiveness of designs (40 min)
Data Analysis and Reflection - Analyze crash test data collectively, discussing insights and implications for safety designs; reflect on design evolution and project learnings (40 min)
Presentation Refinement Workshop - Review and refine final presentations, honing communication skills and ensuring alignment with project goals and findings (40 min)
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Presentation Finalization - Finalize presentations with polished content and clear visuals; rehearse delivery for clarity and impact (40 min)
Poster Finalization - Collaborate to finalize advocacy posters, ensuring compelling messages and design quality that highlight safety improvements for diverse passengers (40 min)
Exhibition Setup and Rehearsal - Organize exhibition logistics, including arrangement of displays and roles for the showcase; conduct a full rehearsal to ensure readiness (40 min)
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Exhibition Execution - Host the interactive gallery-style exhibition, presenting crash test demos, design proposals, and advocacy posters to peers, families, and community members; gather feedback and engage in discussions (60 min)
Feedback Analysis and Reflection - Analyze feedback received during the exhibition and reflect on the project's impact and potential future improvements (30 min)
Project Closure and Celebration - Conclude the project with a reflection on the learning journey, celebrate accomplishments, and discuss potential next steps or applications of skills learned (30 min)
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Digital Archive Creation - Digitally archive standout projects and posters on a classroom website for long-term accessibility and showcase to future students (40 min)
Class Reflection and Debrief - Conduct a class-wide debrief, discussing lessons learned, key takeaways, and the relevance of physics in real-world applications (40 min)
Submit Standout Projects - Identify standout projects for submission to competitions or community safety events, emphasizing the impact and innovation demonstrated (40 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final small-scale car crash model or simulation
2. Research-backed design proposal 3. Advocacy or PSA-style posters 4. Oral presentation for the exhibition 5. Reflection document summarizing the learning experience and feedback |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure availability of materials for final model adjustments and poster creation
2. Coordinate with school administration for exhibition space setup and technical requirements 3. Prepare structured feedback forms or digital surveys for exhibition attendees 4. Arrange for any necessary equipment for live demonstrations (e.g., ramps, crash dummies) 5. Schedule a rehearsal session for student presentations prior to the exhibition |
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