Jet Propulsion Rocket Car Challenge

thingiverse

Get ready to rev up your engines! Design, print, and build your very own Jet Propulsion Rocket Car (JPRC) to compete against other teams in the JPRC Classic! Using your creativity and Tinkercad software, create the body, wheels, and engine (balloon nozzle) for your JPRC. The goal is to design a car that's built for speed, distance, or innovative design. Check out this YouTube example video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26x4hF8ipLo **Standards** * NGSS * CCSS **Overview and Background** This project was created as a group challenge to motivate students to work together and push their creativity. Each team will design and 3D print a wind-powered race car, with the winner determined by whose vehicle travels the farthest in the shortest amount of time. Throughout this project, students will learn valuable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This challenge is designed to be a Design Thinking Challenge, where each team works together to design and 3D print a wind-powered vehicle for the culminating race. **Objectives** Students will demonstrate their understanding of: * Collaborative Design * 3D CAD Design * 3D Printing Students will also showcase their critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and collection of information skills. This project is designed for students in grades 6-8. **Elementary Students (Grades 2-5)** Students in this age group may need more guidance with their project design. Teachers may want to limit student 3D printing to the wheels only. **High School Students (Grades 9-12)** Students in this age group may be able to design their cars using SolidWorks or other 3D CAD programs. They can also challenge themselves to create innovative designs that go beyond the basic requirements. **The Design Process** * Days 1-2: Introduction and Tinkercad tutorials * Days 3-9: Prototyping, printing, and testing * Day 10: Race day! **Duration of Lesson** This project will last approximately ten class periods, depending on the number of student-designed prototypes. **Preparation** * Resources needed: + ¼” wood dowels (2 per race car) + Balloons (party balloons or water balloons) + Scotch tape + Basic knowledge of Tinkercad **Rubric and Assessment** This assessment rubric can be modified to fit your classroom setting. **Handouts and Assets** * JPRC - Assessment Rubric (Google Doc) * JPRC - Student Design Journal (Google Slide) * JPRC - Makerbot Makeathon Chicago Presentation (Google Slide) **References** * 3D Model from 2D Image or Drawing Tutorial - Instructables