Hands-On-Physics

Introductory Mechanics
Core Project: Aircart

This core project uses aircarts to explore the propulsion of land-based vehicles by pushing air.

Figure C.1
Aircarts

Background: The study of motion is motivated in part by the human desire to move things from one place to another. Designing transportation systems requires an understanding of some basic ideas of physics.
A Story Pushing with air might move an "all-terrain" vehicle in unusual environments.
Questions: What transportation problems could and aircart solve? What are its drawbacks?
Performance Criteria: What should a good aircart do well?
Tools: For this project you will need a sharp knife, a straight edge, a stopwatch, and a ruler.
Materials: Corrugated cardboard, hot glue, and pop-rivets are needed for the construction of this aircart. Wheels, a switch, battery holders, an electric motor, and a propeller are included in your kit.
Activities : The core activity is the construction of a model aircart. This construction has been separated into several activities, construction of the frame, building the propulsion system, assembling and wiring the propulsion system, and attaching the wheels and testing the model.
Analysis: Suggestions for analysis of data necessary to answer questions posed at the start of the unit
Reporting: Suggestions for collecting, synthesizing, and reporting the work done in the "core project"