Energy Conservation Lab - 3D Printed Car

thingiverse

Project #1 - Energy Conservation Initiative This project centers on employing a 3D printed car to validate and confirm the Law of Energy Conservation. The 3D model utilized is borrowed from PetroPixel, available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1642619. Print Settings Printer: Flashforge 3D Creator Pro Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: .27 Infill: 15% Notes: The car and parts can be scaled down based on requirements or preferences. Post-Printing A scaled-down model of the car was created. Wheels were attached using paperclips. How I Designed This SketchUp was utilized to rescale the car files (body, pins, wheels), while Replicator G slicing software was employed to create the 3D file for printing purposes. Overview and Background Students in a physics or physical science setting will engage in a lab activity involving a 3D printed car. Students will utilize the lab environment to drop a measured mass (the car) from a specific height, calculated using a ruler or tape measure, to determine potential energy. They will also calculate kinetic energy by utilizing other variables and velocity, which is calculated using a timer and distance. Students will fill out data on an accompanying worksheet. Objectives: Students will use a physical system to test and confirm the Law of Conservation of Energy. Skills Learned (Standards): HS-PS3-2: Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects). Lesson Plan and Activity Step 1: Debrief class on lab activity. Step 2: Distribute worksheet. Step 3: Establish groups (3-4). Step 4: Pass out 3D Printed Cars (fully assembled). Step 5: Have students mass their cars. Step 6: Have students measure the height of their lab tables. Step 7: Begin the lab by having students slide cars over their tables. Step 8: Have students time the car until impact with the ground; measure horizontal distance. Step 9: Have students take accurate measurements until data is consistent (3 tries is usually enough). Step 10: Have students calculate potential energy & kinetic energy of their car drops (can be assisted by teacher with calculations). Step 11: Finish worksheets. Step 12: Debrief Lab activity (go over lab worksheet and discuss general findings/trends). Duration of Lesson 1 hour lab. Preparation The teacher MUST PRE-PRINT all the car materials and assemble them prior to the lab (1 car per 4 students). Lab Area At least two groups (to compare data). Scales. Timer (phone apps can work too!). Meter stick/Tape measure. *Knowledge of kinetic energy and potential energy. Rubric and Assessment As a rule for evaluating students for this activity, one way is utilizing a 4 point scale. See the attachment below for details. References http://www.nextgenscience.org/pe/hs-ps3-2-energy