There are more ways to use mint candies than to just eat them. In groups, learners design and build race cars using mint candies, drinking straws, Popsicle sticks, index cards, and other materials. They decide on an independent variable and run tests to see how this variable affects the distance the car travels down a ramp.

Concepts

variables, engineering design, constraints, dependent variables, independent variables, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the investigating questions as journal prompts
  

Classroom Considerations

• For older pupils, a high school version of the activity is available
• Knowledge of independent and dependent variables is necessary
  

Pros

• Provides a student worksheet
• Gives detailed instructions, including pictures of examples
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.EE.C.9 6.SP.B.5.a 6.SP.B.5.b 6.SP.B.5.c 6.SP.B.5.d 8.SP.A.1