Driving SCIENCE STEM Activity 17Building the Prototype

Clemson University Student-Designed Prototype

Materials for SAFER Egg Car2 sheets of paper, 4 wheels, 2 axles,

1 straw (axle housing), glue, egg

A small piece of masking tape is allowed on the outside of the wheels.

SAFER Egg DesignQuestion: Is it possible to build a car from paper and glue that is strong enough to protect a raw egg during a head-on collision?

Constraints1. Maximum car width: < 6.5 centimeters (including axles and wheels)2. Maximum car length: < 16.5 centimeters3. Minimum car mass without the egg: > 30 grams4. Entire body of the car must be made of paper and glue.5. Design must include 3 safety features of which one must be a seatbelt that can be unfastened.

Prototype Directions

Review team drawing and revise as needed.Build your prototype, meeting constraints.Use the glue station safely.Make sure design allows easy access to the egg.Egg will weigh about 60 grams.

Reflection

What successes and issues did your team have in planning and carrying out your design? Why will your prototype and its egg passenger successfully survive a head-on collision?What Laws of Motion can be used to explain your safety features?

Thanks to PDI2 partners who sponsored the development of this activity and provided professional development support:

American Honda Foundation

DuPontCU-ICAR

Safety-Kleen, EcoPowerFluor

United States Conference of Mayors

Thanks to race track partners who provided support for teachers:Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway,

Martinsville Speedway, and Richmond International Raceway

Copyright © 2015 Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina (SC).