Solar Race Cars

If you have solar car kits for your junior high schoolers, they can experiment with photovoltaic cell angle, light intensity, and aerodynamic design to discover what makes their car move more quickly. This is a classic activity to use...

How much distance should you keep between your car and the one in front of you? Did you think of an answer in terms of time when the question clearly stated distance? The lesson covers the relationship between distance, time, and speed....

In this average speed worksheet, learners are given the distance a derby car must travel and its time for three trials. Students find the average speed and answer four questions about the data.

In this speed worksheet, students calculate acceleration and deceleration and compare speed with velocity. Students complete 6 matching, 8 fill in the blank, and 6 word problems.

A design challenge through which learners design and construct a solar-powered model car to compete in a road race. Students work in teams using the engineering design process to select the optimal gear ratio and components.

Students harness the power of the sun to design, construct and evaluate a solar-powered model car of their creation. They race their cars in a "Solar Sprint" race modeled after the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Junior Solar...

Learn how a car traveling at a constant speed around a curve is actually accelerating. This video explains how acceleration not only involves a change in speed but also a change in direction. [4:49]

A collection of videos that examine the physics concepts at play in NASCAR racing. They cover topics such as friction, tires, aerodynamics, balance, and the fire suits worn by drivers.

Using a racetrack as an example, this video demonstrates when acceleration could involve a change in direction and not speed.

Students study the basic concept of solar energy. They build a working solar car. Students comprehend how solar energy can be produced via a solar panel. They examine the physics that describe how a solar panel works.