Air resistance, also known as drag, is an important concept in physics that affects the movement of objects through the air. Understanding air resistance is crucial for engineers and anyone who wants to design something that can move through the air, including airplanes and cars. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of air resistance and how it works. We will also provide instructions for a STEAM project that high school students can use to experiment with air resistance.
Purpose:
The purpose of this STEAM project is to help students understand the concept of air resistance and how it works. The project will also give them an opportunity to apply their knowledge of physics to design and build a model car that can move through the air while minimizing air resistance.
Procedure:
To begin this project, students will need to gather the following materials: a foam board, a hot glue gun, a pair of scissors, a straw, four plastic wheels, a wooden skewer, a small motor, and a battery.
Step 1 – Cut the foam board into a rectangular shape using the scissors. This will serve as the base for the car.
Step 2 – Attach four plastic wheels to the bottom of the foam board using a hot glue gun. Make sure that they are evenly spaced out.
Step 3 – Insert the wooden skewer through the straw and then glue the straw onto the front of the car. The skewer will serve as the axle for the front wheels.
Step 4 – Attach the motor to the back of the car using hot glue. Connect the motor to the battery.
Step 5 – Test the car by turning on the motor. Observe how the car moves through the air.
Explanation:
Air resistance occurs when air molecules collide with an object that is moving through the air. The force of air resistance depends on the object’s speed, size, and shape. Objects that are large and have irregular shapes experience more air resistance than objects that are small and streamlined. This is why airplanes and cars have streamlined shapes that reduce air resistance.
Examples of Finished Project:
Once the model car is complete, students can experiment with different designs to minimize air resistance. For example, they can add a tailfin or a spoiler to help reduce drag. They can also test the car at different speeds and see how air resistance affects its movement through the air.
Future Activities and Analysis Questions and Answers:
Here are some future activities and analysis questions that students can explore after completing the project:
1. Compare the air resistance of two different car designs. Which design experiences more air resistance?
2. Investigate how air resistance affects the speed of the car. Does the car move faster or slower when air resistance is high?
3. Explore the relationship between air resistance, weight, and acceleration. How do these factors affect the movement of the car through the air?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding air resistance is essential for anyone who wants to design something that can move through the air. By conducting this STEAM project, high school students can learn more about air resistance and how it works. They can also apply their knowledge of physics to design and build a model car that can move through the air while minimizing air resistance. This project is an excellent way to engage students in hands-on learning and foster their understanding of physics and engineering.