Motion and Design

Students explore the physics of motion and to apply these concepts to technological design. Using plastic construction materials, weights, rubber bands, and propellers, students design and build vehicles. Students record their designs using technical two-view and three-view drawings. They test how fast the vehicles move and use their findings to redesign the vehicles to move more efficiently. Cost analysis is one of the students' design requirements. As students design their vehicles, they intuitively apply concepts such as friction and kinetic and potential energy. They also explore the effect of gravity on motion. The unit concludes by challenging students to solve a design challenge and to present their findings to the class.

Trainer Tips:

Lesson 11, involving the propeller, can be tricky:

• Winding the propeller more times than the sheet says sometimes works.
• Sometimes the wheel is too tight against the hub connector.
• The hook screw may be too tight into the propeller.  You may want to loosen it a bit.
• The rubber band needs to be looked at during the winding process so it doesn't get bunched up in one spot.
• It is important to twist the rubber band with a quick motion.  If it is twisted slowly, it unwinds slowly and the vehicle does not move much.
• The surface that is being used can slow the vehicle down. It is important to run the vehicle on a smooth tile floor/surface.  Carpet really slows it down.

Problem with the wheels falling off?

• It is not unusual for the wheels to fall off the vehicle when the vehicle is being carried. 
• They sometimes falls off when the students are twisting the rubber band on the back axle. I don't notice a problem with this during the experiments.
• It is important for the tan hub connector to be snapped onto the red rod with the "hook" facing out. That way, the "hook" can be placed inside the indentation on the wheel. The tan connects and the wheels didn't always fit the best.
• Even though they are new they may still not stay together.
• Another suggestion is to place a grey connector on the outside of the wheel to prevent it from falling off.

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Motion & Design Storyline (pdf)

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Unit Certificate
Acknowledge your student's accomplishment in completing this unit with our completion certificate.  We hope they enjoyed learning about science through The Einstein Project's hands-on approach!

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Motion and Design unit! To learn about sponsoring a unit and all the other giving opportunities at The Einstein Project, please contact us at 920-884-8800 or einstein@einsteinproject.org.

What are people saying about the Motion and Design Einstein science unit?

  "Very hands-on!! Students really enjoyed their learning experiences! Great connections to real-life."
--Ms. Pamela Fehring, Grade 4 teacher at Omro Elementary School, Omro, Wisconsin

"I love this kit!"
--Jackie Coenen, Teacher - Grade 5, Lannoye Elementary School, Green Bay, Wisconsin

"This really allows students to explore their creative side! They had so much fun. They were sad to see it go."
--Marisa Kluth, Grade 3 teacher at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin