1. Design and construct simple motorized vehicle models using the most basic components to obtain movement.
2. Explain how electric current is formed within a battery and how it powers a simple motor.
3. Describe the energy conversions that take place in the model car’s operation.
4. Calculate the work energy produced by the movement of the designed vehicle over a specific distance.
5. Observe, calculate and compare the velocities of the designed vehicles to others by measuring the time elapse to travel a certain distance.
6. Calculate and compare the power of their vehicles’ motor systems in comparison to other vehicles.

Handouts

• Keep It Moving! Challenge Worksheet

Class Supplies

• 1-2 Lemons,
• 2 Copper wires
• 2 Zinc wires
• 1 Small LED. bulb
• 3 Alligator clip wires
• Double-sided tape
• Electrical and/or regular tape
• Glue gun(s) with glue sticks
• Rulers
• Construction paper
• Markers
• Scissors
• A toy car or a constructed model

Group Supplies (4 per group)

• Battery(ies): 9 volt, D-cell, AA, etc.
• 4 Wheels or disks
• 2 Axles
• 2-3 Alligator clip wires
• Electric, DC powered motor (at least one): 1.5V- 9V
• Driving gear and gears or one sewing spool (to fit axle) and a rubber-band.

Important Links

• Lesson Plan
• Keep It Moving! Presentation
• PhET: Circuit Construction Kit – DC
• Keep It Moving! Worksheet Answer Key
• Lesson origin on Teach Engineering

Next Generation Science Standards

• HS-PS3-3. Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy