Windcart Build
Windcart Build Days: 2 Mode: Pairs Take-home: Working wind-powered cart
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Wind force, wheel/axle alignment, friction, sail area, vehicle design.
Hook: Use a fan to compare two carts with different wheel alignment or sail size.
Test / evidence: Cart travels a set distance under fan power.
Variables to change: Wheel type; sail shape/area; axle alignment; mass.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: Build chassis + axles + wheels → rolling test
Day 2: Add sail → fan trials → compare wheel/sail changes
Safety / cleanup:
Teacher manages skewers/cutting/hot glue; fans stay behind marked line; retrieve carts only after fan stops.