The 40 students in Andrew Roberts’ physical science class recently stepped out of class and received some hands-on experience in the wood shop. He collaborated with technology teacher Alicia Flinn and charged students to create balsa wood cars powered by a rubber band.

The students (in grades 11-12) then measured acceleration and applied various physics principles to reinforce Roberts’ lesson.

“Students were tasked with doing their own research, coming up with a design, and constructing their cars over the span of one week,” Roberts said.

“Students received two days to design their cars, one day in the wood shop to cut and shape them, and two days for assembly and testing. I guided them through the design and assembly processes, and Ms. Flinn provided the materials and instructional support while the students were in the wood shop.”

Roberts said the students enjoyed the project, and while their goal was to produce the fastest car possible, they found it challenging to produce large accelerations and velocities with the materials provided.

“Even so, they had fun completing a hands-on project that related our study of motion to a real engineering application,” he added.