Students:
Get up to Speed
Think of your favorite car. (A purple Porsche? A yellow Mini? A red '67 Mustang convertible?) Now forget what it looks like.
Focus on the invisibles:
What makes it move?
What keeps it going?
What makes it slow down?
What makes it speed up?
To understand cool cars, you need to understand the cool science behind them. This site will teach you the basics you need to know about motion, force and
energy—all the things
that make cars go.
Quick Links
Select a video or interactive to learn more about specific topics.
- Lesson 1
How Things Move: Roll, Slide, and Bounce - Lesson 2
Motion and Force: Pushes and Pulls - Lesson 3
The Force of Gravity - Lesson 4
What Maked Things Stop?
Exploration About Force Have you ever played tug of war? In this game, two teams pull the ends of a rope in opposite directions. The team that pulls the other team across the center line wins. When a team pulls the rope, they apply force. Want to know more about force? Let's explore and find out.
Fun-damentals Making Things Move What makes something move? What speeds it up or slows it down? Find out in this very moving Fun-damental.
Fun-damentals Making Things Move What makes something move? What speeds it up or slows it down? Find out in this very moving Fun-damental.
Fun-damentals Making Things Move What makes something move? What speeds it up or slows it down? Find out in this very moving Fun-damental.
Exploration Friction Have you ever skated over ice? Do you think you can skate the same way over a concrete road? Of course not. Friction stops your skates from sliding over the concrete road. Let's learn more about friction.
Video Segment Friction Friction is a force caused by two objects rubbing together, which slows motion. Friction can cause heat, and allows movement, as well stopping.
Video Segment Example 1: Measuring Length in Inches Length is measured in inches using a ruler or tape measure. To measure accurately, the zero at the end of the measuring tool must line up with one end of the object being measured.
- Lesson 1
Force and Motion - Lesson 4
What Keeps Vehicles Moving? Energy - Lesson 5
Where Does Energy for Motion of a Vehicle Come From?
Exploration About Force Have you ever played tug of war? In this game, two teams pull the ends of a rope in opposite directions. The team that pulls the other team across the center line wins. When a team pulls the rope, they apply Force. Want to know more About Force? Let's explore and find out.
Video Segment A Better Understanding of Energy Machines need a source of energy, such as manpower, electricity, or gasoline. Machines turn energy into motion.
Virtual Lab Racing RC Cars What is the best combination of factors to make an RC Car go fastest or farthest? Students experiment with different motors, batteries, and car weights to find out.
Video Segment Machines A cylinder, piston, and crankshaft are parts often found in motors. Some machines need motors to perform. A machine is any mechanical device that helps you do work.
Teacher Toolbox
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- Lesson plans
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- Links to helpful tools
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