3D 20 Foot Dual Lane Race Track

thingiverse

I designed a 20' dual lane race track for K-12 STEAM projects in my school district using 3D printing technology. Students can create their own cars to race on the track or use cardboard and washers for a fun alternative. This project teaches students about forces, motion, friction, engineering, data analysis, and math application throughout the process. I have students record their times with a timer app and analyze their results to improve performance. Print Settings: Printer: Flashforge Creator Pro Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: Normal Infill: 20% Notes: I used PLA filament for all parts. Post-Printing Steps: 1. Print 42 main track sections. 2. Print 1 Down Track Curve. 3. Print 4 Wooden Rod Base Plates. 4. Print 4 of the Track Down Ramp Supports. 5. File down all T joints on the track pieces. 6. Assemble the main track sections into 6 connected pieces. 7. Use screws and nuts to tighten the track pieces together. 8. Loosely connect the curve piece with a large plier. 9. Cut a wooden dowel rod into specific lengths: 18 inches, 41 inches, 64 inches, and 87 inches. 10. Attach the Down Ramp Support Pieces onto the main track sections. Design Process: I used Onshape to design this race track. You can access and modify the files using the link below. Create a free OnShape account to do so: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/bc3b8dab5fc64add49408014/w/3573fd1df50ea19b35d5906f/e/87f03f2a4acd90b5d841caf7 Standards: NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Lesson Plan and Activity: Step 1: Have students measure the track with calipers and build a prototype using cardboard, hot glue, washers, and nails. Step 2: Students record their track times using a timer app on their smartphone or tablet. Step 3: Students design their car bodies, wheels, and axles using Tinkercad or Onshape. Step 4: Students race their cars and experiment with different weight settings, wheel diameters, and thicknesses. Step 5: Students test different weight locations, limited to a 150 gram weight setting. Step 6: Encourage students to design one-wheel, two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel cars. Materials Needed: PLA Filament Calipers 3D Printer Screwdriver 100 #8-32 1-1/2 inch screws Drill Wooden dowel rod Wooden base plates 100 #8-32 machine nuts Skills Learned: 3D Modeling 3D Printing Geometry Math and science Engineering Data Analysis Duration of Lesson: 2 Weeks - 9 Weeks Preparation: Print and assemble the track first.